2026 Intermediate Filaments Gordon Research Conference and Seminar - Project Summary Intermediate filament (IF) proteins are encoded by over 100 distinct genes, placing them among the largest gene families in humans. Members of the IF protein family have diverse functions in virtually all cell types. They serve as critical components of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton and act as sensors, modulators, and integrators of other key structural and regulatory proteins. Mutations in genes encoding IF proteins cause a wide range of diseases, including skin diseases, muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, premature aging syndromes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Abnormal assemblies of IFs are hallmarks of and biomarkers for cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac and liver diseases. Given the diverse functions of IF proteins, their interactions with other cellular components, and their disease relevance, close collaborations between basic researchers and translational investigators spanning multiple disciplines are necessary to overcome current challenges in the field. Bringing together scientists with different expertise will provide new insights into the physiological functions of IFs and foster the development of novel therapeutic approaches for IF-related diseases. Towards this goal, this application requests funds to support the June 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on IFs to be held at Rey Don Jaime Grand Hotel, located just outside Barcelona in Castelldefels, Spain. We have organized a stimulating program of scientific sessions in an environment that is conducive to concentrated discussion and debate, as well as informal interactions and networking. The speakers and other attendees will be established, mid-career, and early-career scientists as well as students and trainees representing multiple disciplines. Aim 1 is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for the discussion of the best and most recent research on IFs, and their relationship to cell physiology and disease. Aim 2 is to highlight novel scientific themes and ideas emerging in IF research, by including new scientific sessions with several invited speakers outside of the traditional IF community. Aim 3 is to promote formal and informal scientific exchanges on IF biology between investigators across the whole career spectrum. Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers will also be able to participate in the GRS immediately prior to the GRC. The GRS is run solely by graduate students and postdoctoral scientists studying IFs. To enhance interactions, the GRC and GRS will provide numerous opportunities for informal exchanges among participants, including shared meals, free afternoons, poster sessions, and evening social times. The broad long-term objectives of the GRC and GRS are to grow the IF community and to provide forums for the exchange of ideas among scientists at all career stages interested in IFs, a family of proteins that are understudied despite their significant impact on major areas of public health.
