2025 Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - This proposal seeks funding to support the 2025 Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides (NNO) Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). This will be the 22nd edition of this conference, initiated in 1976. Throughout its history, NNO GRC has addressed topics directly related to the fundamental science of human biology and the treatment of disease. Modified nucleosides have been extremely effective drugs, most notably antivirals such as AZT and Harvoni, for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, respectively. Meanwhile, the field has undergone transformative changes to include oligonucleotides as therapeutics for metabolic and genetic diseases, for example Spinraza, which treats spinal muscular atrophy. The recent invention of mRNA vaccines to prevent COVID is another compelling example of the transformative impact of modified nucleosides. The 2025 NNO GRC, entitled “Challenges at the Interface of Structure, Function and Chemistry of Nucleosides and Nucleic Acids” will cover the fundamental science that enabled the recent success of nucleic acid therapeutics while focusing on cutting-edge, current research in novel and emerging technologies. The specific aims for the conference are to: (1) facilitate discussions of the latest research in the field; (2) introduce early-career and inexperienced scientists to the field; and (3) provide opportunities for new collaborations and networking. These specific aims will contribute to the long-term goal of the conference to have a broad and sustainable impact on both basic science and clinical translation of nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides into therapeutics to improve human health. The 2025 NNO GRC will include sessions on (1) RNA epigenetics, modification and translation, (2) synthesis and chemistry of modified nucleotides, (3) genome and RNA editing, (4) nucleic acids chemical biology, and (5) oligonucleotide therapeutics. Co-Chairs have solicited nominations from experts in the field, emphasizing the desire to identify young scientists as potential speakers. The affiliated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will feature oral presentations by students and postdocs, a panel discussion with established scientists in the field, and the opportunity to create a sense of community prior to the start of the GRC. Thus, while the cutting-edge science described during the oral sessions will undoubtedly inspire others to move their own research forward in new and creative ways, the combined GRS and GRC efforts to support young and early-career scientists in general will strengthen the field and its impact on human health for decades to come.
