Intermediate filaments not only regulate subcellular mechanics but are also critically involved in cell signaling. Intermediate filaments integrate various intra- and intercellular structures and processes, making them arguably the most important cell and tissue network and a critical “crisis command center”. Accordingly, intermediate filaments play central roles in both healthy cells and tissues as well as many human diseases, including degenerative muscle and brain diseases, inflammatory diseases, skin diseases, and various cancers. This Gordon Research Conference (GRC) brings together researchers from cell biology, biophysics, mechanobiology, biomedical engineering, and translational and clinical sciences to highlight recent advances and new approaches relevant to the intermediate filament field. One major goal of the GRC is to initiate new ideas and collaborations to deepen our understanding of intermediate filaments and their biological role in cells and their associated human diseases. Another major goal of this GRC and the accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) is to recruit and promote talented new investigators into the intermediate filament field, providing them with mentorship and networking opportunities via the GRC itself and the accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). We invite scientists from all relevant fields of investigation to attend this meeting to apply their expertise, and to stimulate their interest, in intermediate filament biology.

Oral presentations will be selected from abstracts submitted by March 6, 2022.