Carbohydrates are important mediators of many biological processes such as the development and differentiation of cells, cell adhesion and cell signaling, and cell-matrix interactions. Changes either in the structures of these glycans, or in the expression of carbohydrate-binding proteins, are associated with many diseases, including human genetic diseases such as muscular dystrophy or congenital disorders of glycosylation, viral and bacterial infections, parasite invasion and survival as well as metastasis and tumor progression. In addition, glycoconjugates are regulators of the immune system. The main goal of the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Carbohydrates is to bring together a diverse group of scientists who work in the broad area of glycoscience (carbohydrate chemistry, carbohydrate biochemistry, and glycobiology) to discuss recent progress and future challenges in the field. The meeting will have talks organized into six focus areas in nine sessions. Two full day symposia will anchor the meeting: synthetic carbohydrate chemistry, and glycobiology. In addition, half-day symposia will be held on: 1) structural biology, 2) renewable resources, 3) glycoengineering and 4) young glycoscientists.
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