The goal of the proposed Gordon Research Conference on Notch signaling in development, regeneration and disease is to provide a stimulating, international and cross disciplinary forum for the dissemination and discussion of new research, concepts and therapeutic opportunities at the forefront of Notch related biology. The Notch signaling pathway is a central mediator of short-range inter-cellular communication in metazoans, under study since 1914 in Drosophila, and in all other model organisms since the 1980s. Alteration in Notch activity underlie or contribute to a growing list of developmental syndroms (Alagille, Spondylocostal Dysostosis, aortic valve disease), ** onset diseases (CADASIL, Alzheimer's disease, various heart and valve malformations, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis) and cancers, expending the interest in this pathway well beyond scientists interested in developmental and cell biology to those interested in stem cells, cancer biology and therapy. 

     The meeting will bring together a diverse community of scientists working in every model organism and on nearly every organ system from academia, biotech and the pharmaceutical industry. We aim to create a forum in which cutting edge technologies, ideas and discoveries can be exchanged. Most importantly, we aim to integrate students and postdocs in this academically intense and free environment into the study of Notch signaling.