2020 Microbial Stress Response Gordon Research Conference and Seminar
Abstract
Bacteria face a nearly constant onslaught of diverse stressors, including nutrient limitations, temperature changes, antibiotics, phage, host immune systems, and more. Whether they can properly detect and respond to such stressors largely determines their survival in a world of fierce competition. Microbes have evolved finely tuned and sophisticated regulatory mechanisms for responding to stress by controlling genome duplication and repair, gene expression, proteostasis, RNA processing, and metabolism - collectively, these responses enable survival in a range of harsh conditions. Thus, delineating how microbes respond to stress will elucidate the fundamental principles governing key cellular processes that are conserved from bacteria to humans where they prevent genetic disease and cancer. Understanding how microbes respond to stress is directly relevant to the ONR. Microbial stress responses are central to understanding biofilms that foul ships and equipment, and to treating recalcitrant infections that impact naval personnel. Additionally, efforts in synthetic biology that aim to design and deploy bacteria as biosensors for various ONR missions are predicated on a better understanding of microbial stress responses.The latest advances in this field will be the subject of the 2020 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Microbial Stress Response to be held July 19-24th at Mount Holyoke College and cochaired by Michael Laub (MIT) and Jade Wang (U. Wisconsin). This meeting will bring together a demographically diverse group of 200 international scientists. Attendees are encouraged to present posters of their most exciting research. Emphasis will be placed on new approaches to understanding interactions between microbes and the environment, particularly modern imaging, genetic, metagenomic, and computational strategies. This conference offers a welcoming and interactive environment that brings together investigators at all levels. Invited speakers includeestablished scientists as well as junior investigators. Approximately 50% of invited speakers are women and 40% of oral presentations will be selected from the submitted abstracts with an emphasis on those by new investigators, postdoctoral scientists, and graduate students. Postdoctoral and graduate student participation is further encouraged by the accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), organized by trainees and early stage investigators for their peers. We anticipate the 2020 Microbial Stress Response GRC will continue the success of its predecessors with cutting edge discoveries unveiled for the first time to a multidisciplinary and critical audience.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012142
Entities
People
- Michael Laub
Organizations
- Gordon Research Conferences
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy