2024 Sensory Transduction in Microorganisms Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - Project summary The 2024 Gordon Research Conference on Sensory Transduction in Microorganisms to be held in Ventura CA in January 2024 will explore recent advances in understanding signal transduction in bacteria, especially in pathogenic bacteria. Focus will be placed on bacteria-host interactions, chemosensory mechanisms and pathways, two-component regulatory systems, second messenger signaling, metabolic signaling in microbial communities including biofilms and microbiomes, bacterial defense systems, and bacterial stress responses, including the coordination of subcellular processes. The roles of these systems with respect to pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and bioengineering will be central themes. All these critical areas will be addressed through cutting-edge applications of molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and chemical biology as well as structural, imaging, biophysical, and computational approaches. Data from high-resolution experiments will be paired with modeling to understand and predict the behavior of complex macromolecular assemblies and signaling circuitry. Invited speakers will include both established and early-stage investigators using a wide array of approaches. In addition, short talks will be chosen from the abstracts to give additional early-career scientists a chance to speak and to round on the program. Participants will benefit from the Conference’s open, collegial atmosphere that provides multiple opportunities to engage in scientific discussion, promote scientific rigor, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. New, innovative efforts will be used to increase participation of scientists from historically under-represented backgrounds, and multiple efforts will be taken to make participants feel welcome and valued. For the sixth time, a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for postdocs and graduate students will precede the GRC. The GRS provides a supportive environment for young scientists to present their work, make connections, and receive advice by leaders in the field. The STIM community has long supported junior scientists, and we view the success of the GRS as a necessity to continue on this mission. The GRS will help us not only nurture the development of early stage investigators, but also promote diversity within our community. The GRS will help junior scientists gain the confidence and skills to become full-fledged GRC participants. The well-integrated STIM GRC/GRS will direct established investigators to the most important questions confronting our field and will encourage young scientists to apply their recent training to the exciting new areas of microbiology.
