Genetic Recombination and Genome Rearrangements - Summary/Abstract This application seeks partial support for the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) Summer Research Conference (SRC) on Genetic Recombination and Genome Rearrangements, to be held July 12-17, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This will be the 21st in a series of highly successful biennial conferences devoted to these topics. This conference brings together investigators studying broad aspects of genetic recombination and genome rearrangements in a range of biological systems and using different experimental approaches. Presentations will describe cutting-edge, unpublished work on timely questions in the field and will foster discussions among participants at all career stages. This conference will provide unique opportunities for the open exchange of data and technological innovations that can be assimilated and exploited across the entire field. Genetic recombination covers many areas directly relevant for understanding the biology of cancer, normal aging, cellular senescence, telomere maintenance, and the etiology of aging- related diseases. Homologous recombination is essential for maintaining genome stability and limiting genome rearrangements that can promote disease, and many recombination proteins act as suppressors of cancer and premature aging. Conversely, recombination mediates processes promoting disease, including complex genome rearrangements leading to cancer and neurological disorders, frequent crossing-over associated with premature aging, and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), which allows cells lacking telomerase to escape senescence. Recombination pathways repair double-strand DNA breaks and inter-strand crosslinks resulting from exposure to environmental stressors such as gamma-rays, ionizing irradiation, alkylating agents, and UV light. The FASEB conference brings together investigators interested in genetic recombination from many distinct disciplines, including biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, genomics, and cell biology. Key topics to be covered in 2026 include: (i) the molecular mechanisms of recombination, (ii) meiotic recombination, (iii) telomere dynamics, and the role of ALT in escaping senescence; (iv) complex genome rearrangements and their role in cancer and other diseases, (v) repair of replication-associated DNA lesions, and (vi) the influence of chromatin structure on recombination. Special emphasis on these topics is reflected in our initial speaker invitations. In addition, about one-third of plenary session talks will be selected based on late-breaking advances and from abstracts. A number of innovations to the conference plan and program will further enhance participation, interaction, exchange and discussion among all participants; and increase the ability of younger scientists to have sustained discussions with and mentorship from more senior conference attendees. In sum, the FASEB SRC on Genetic Recombination and Genome Rearrangements remains the most long- lasting and most important conference on this topic of direct relevance to human disease.
