Protein Folding in the Cell

For over 30 years, this conference has brought together cell biologists, biophysical scientists, chemists, and physician-scientists from the global community to study this important discipline. This year’s program will focus on the latest developments regarding how the native conformations of cellular and secreted proteins are achieved and maintained. Presentations will cover a broad range of topics, from the basic science defining protein homeostasis, associated with aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, to recent advances in therapeutic strategies.

With a strong connection between protein folding and protein degradation, and their failures contributing to aging and disease, this meeting will be co-located with Ubiquitin Mechanisms, Functions, and Therapeutics. Agendas for the two conferences have been coordinated to maximize learning, networking, and collaboration, with several sessions to be held together. 

Attendees will learn about:

· Protein homeostasis and how it can lead to protein accumulation, cellular dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disorders.

· How the native conformations of cellular and secreted proteins are achieved and maintained.

· The latest advances in treating protein folding diseases.

Program Topics

· Folding energy landscapes with and without chaperones

· Working mechanism of molecular chaperones

· Protein folding and degradation in aging and disease

· Condensate formation under physiological/pathological conditions

· Proteostasis and quality control in aging and disease

Workshops

A Meet the Experts session will offer attendees the chance to engage directly with leading scientists, ask questions, and explore emerging research directions in an interactive format.

The Career Development Workshop will provide early-career investigators with practical advice on funding, networking, and career advancement through open discussion with experienced researchers.

Ignite Career Forum (Pre-conference Workshop)

The Pre-conference Workshop, "Ignite Career Forum", will be held on Monday, June 1 from 10:00 – 12:00 followed by lunch (12:00 to 13:00) and an afternoon session (13:00 – 17:00). Attendees can add the Ignite Career Forum during the conference registration process. Please check the Online Agenda for detailed information. 

We invite undergraduate and graduate students, postbaccalaureate and postdoctoral fellows, and technical research and staff scientists to present their work in a friendly and collaborative environment in the form of a short talk (15 min). Two talks will be chosen for a spot in the main-meeting. We especially encourage scientists from historically excluded groups to apply. Those interested in giving a talk must submit an abstract describing their research. The chair of the Ignite Career Forum will select talks approx. 2 weeks after the abstract deadline.