Protein Phosphatases - Jointly hosted by FASEB and the Japanese Association for Protein Phosphatase Research (JAPPR)

For over 36 years, this conference has explored the roles of protein phosphatases in normal physiology and pathological conditions. This is the only event in North America that offers this opportunity and is crucial to growth in this field of research. Presentations will apply to a variety of audiences, including basic, translational, and clinical researchers from across academia and industry. This year’s conference, to be held in Washington, DC, in December 2026, marks our third collaboration with the Japanese Association for Protein Phosphatase Research (JAPPR) to educate newcomers and disseminate and integrate recent advances in this rapidly growing and changing field. 

This year’s program will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including basic and translational research that will accelerate the identification of new targets for disease therapeutics. Sessions on the role of protein phosphatases in diverse systems and organs will provide ideal platforms for cross-discussion of findings in normal vs pathological tissues and organs. This meeting will discuss the most current work on the structure, regulation, and function of protein phosphatases, with a focus on their roles in cancer and other human diseases, as well as their validation as drug targets. It will also highlight major achievements and new approaches to integrating phosphatase knowledge with all fields of research, fueling the interest of industrial and academic groups. 

This conference is the premier forum for early-career investigators to collaborate and network in this field of research and develop revolutionary treatments for disease. Findings presented at this conference in the past have led to the development of phosphatase activators and inhibitors (pre-clinical and clinical phases). Additionally, research presented in previous years on the genomic interrogation of phosphatase mutations has contributed to new therapeutic strategies, many of which are currently in clinical trials.

Attendees will learn about:

· A wide range of phosphatases, including serine, threonine, and tyrosine, and their role in health and disease. 

· Cutting-edge techniques that are being used to elucidate the complex and dynamic nature of phosphatase biology.

· The structure, regulation, and function of protein phosphatases and their roles as drug targets for cancer and other human diseases.

· Two poster sessions to provide an interactive presentation experience for all our early career scientists and trainees. 

· “Rising Star” Keynote Address session, specifically dedicated to highlighting two early career individuals pushing the field forward.

Program Topics

· Phosphatases in cancer 

· Therapeutic validation of phosphatases 

· Importance of non-traditional phosphatases 

· Phosphatase biochemistry 

· Integral signaling pathways involving phosphatases

· Phosphatase in Metabolic diseases

· Role of phosphatases in Cardiovascular Disease

· Effects of phosphatases in Neurological Disorders

· Role of phosphatases in Immunity

Workshops

Two Career Development Workshops will take place. Topics include:

· Meet the Experts Luncheon on “How to start your own research program”

· How to delineate non-traditional career path opportunities within academia, industry, publishing, government, and more