2023 Mammalian DNA Repair GRC & GRS - Project Abstract/Summary
This 5-day GRC and 2-day GRS conference is focused on the research of genomic instability and its
implications in human diseases and therapies. Exposures environmental and endogenous source of DNA
damage produce thousands to over a million lesions and chemical modifications to the genome per cell every
day. Common environmental sources of DNA damage include sunlight, radiation, aldehydes, and combustion
byproducts, while endogenous sources include oxygen metabolism, metabolites, alkylation and dysregulation
of DNA replication, transcription and mitosis. In normal cells, a multitude of DNA repair and DNA damage
response mechanisms successfully operate to maintain genomic stability. However, defects in these
mechanisms can result in diseases ranging from rare developmental and premature aging syndromes to
common cancers. This Mammalian DNA Repair Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and associated Gordon
Research Seminar (GRS) will bring together diverse researchers studying the mechanisms that protect the
genome against DNA damage, and the consequences for human health when these pathways fail.
Additionally, this conference will promote discussions on how to inhibit DNA damage response and repair
mechanisms, or leverage dysfunction in these mechanisms, to selectively target tumors in a more efficacious
and less toxic manner. The objectives are: 1) To expose researchers at all levels (faculty, researchers from
industry, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students) to new frontiers and innovative methods in this rapidly
progressing research field. 2) To provide opportunities for young scientists to network and practice presenting
their research. 3) To generate an atmosphere of inclusion and rigor that encourages the exchange of scientific
ideas that may foster collaborations or spur new innovation. 4) To provide formal and informal career
development opportunities. We will achieve these objectives by assembling diverse speakers and poster
presenters. 44% of the invited speakers in the GRC are women and we expect approximately 50% of the GRS
speakers be female trainees. This GRC/GRS is notable compared to meetings on similar topics for the amount
of unpublished research that is presented, as well as the extensive informal discussion time during sessions,
meals, and free time.
