The Protein Folding Conference

Launched in 1990 and celebrating its 30th anniversary, this unique FASEB Science Research Conference (SRC) explores the forefront of protein folding—from biochemistry and biophysics to the role of cellular pathways in protein maintenance to diseases and clinical applications. 

The program focuses on the basic science of defining protein folding pathways enabled by the proteostasis network, the functions of molecular chaperones and co-chaperones in folding versus degradation decisions, and their role in controlling toxic protein aggregation.

The conference brings together an interdisciplinary group of scientists from academia and industry who conduct research on the cellular and biophysical aspects of protein folding and degradation as well as the consequences of protein misfolding and aggregation. 

The program aims to present and integrate research advances in cellular homeostasis/proteostasis to foster new national and international collaborative projects, and to accelerate translation of fundamental advances into novel clinical treatments through the interactions of basic and clinical researchers.

An important goal of the conference is to encourage and support junior investigators/trainees, women, and minority scientists to continue pursuing the mechanisms of cellular homeostasis.

The main themes of this meeting are: 1) Explore how proteins fold and the consequences for the cell when they misfold; 2) Examine emerging research and technology advancing cellular quality control strategies that address protein misfolding; 3) Develop new approaches to diagnose and treat diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias, cystic fibrosis and analogous loss-of-function protein-misfolding diseases.

Conference sessions will present the latest research and foster discussion on:

• Protein folding, assembly, and disassembly
• Chaperone mechanisms
• Co-translational folding and ribosome quality control
• Protein triage and degradation
• Phase separation and cellular stress response
• Protein aggregates and assemblies
• How diseases and aging affect protein folding
• Organelle-specific protein folding issues

The conference covers 10 sessions and three abstract presentations.The program also features four “Meet the Expert” sessions for trainees and junior faculty to receive advice on career development and work-life balance from experts in the field.