PROJECT SUMMARY
The Chemistry and Biology of Tetrapyrroles Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research
Seminar (GRS) is the biggest and most diverse international meeting for sharing and discussing the latest
research on tetrapyrroles, a diverse group of protein cofactors and metabolites which include heme, cobalamin
(vitamin B12), chlorophyll, and bilins. Tetrapyrroles serve as important cofactors to control essential cellular
processes important for normal cellular homeostasis and development as well as nutrient sources and important
signaling and regulatory molecules in normal and disease states. Both the GRC and GRS are the leading
conferences to present new unpublished tetrapyrrole related research findings and gather international scientists
ranging from senior scientists to early stage investigators (ESI) and trainees in both formal and informal
environments. Both the GRC and GRS will facilitate the creation of new connections and collaborations to
advance the chemistry and biology of tetrapyrroles and foster an inclusive environment for the development of
diverse scientists in an equitable and open setting.
The 2024 GRC and GRS meetings will be held from July 13 - 19, 2024 at Salve Regina University in Newport,
RI. The Chemistry & Biology of Tetrapyrroles GRC and GRS are one of a kind in terms of the international and
diverse audience that they attract. The diversity of topics discussed span from clinical to biological to chemical
aspects of tetrapyrroles and the range of organisms from bacteria to plants to humans. The 2024 GRC and GRS
will highlight recent data from a variety of researchers at different levels in the following areas: trafficking
tetrapyrroles; synthesis and metabolism of tetrapyrroles; tetrapyrroles and disease; tetrapyrroles in the
environment, energy production and light harvesting; tetrapyrroles in signaling; tetrapyrroles in medicine;
tetrapyrroles in chemistry and catalysis; tetrapyrrole protein structure and assembly; and lessons in tetrapyrrole
metabolism. Given the critical roles that tetrapyrroles play in human health and disease including infectious
diseases, inflammation, diabetes, kidney disease, porphyrias, anemias, and obesity, understanding the
metabolism, trafficking, and homeostasis of tetrapyrroles is crucial for human health.
