GPCR Colloquium

GPCR Colloquium

Evolving Concepts in GPCR Pharmacology and Signaling Mechanisms

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signal transduction is involved in virtually all aspects of human physiology, and its dysregulation gives rise to many neurological, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer. Accordingly, GPCRs are the targets of ~33% of clinically used medications. This ASPET colloquium will highlight recent breakthroughs in understanding GPCR signaling mechanisms and their implications for human health and drug development.

Join us for this all-day satellite event on Wednesday, May 20 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, held in conjunction with the ASPET 2026 Annual Meeting. Extra-fees apply.

Co-chairs

  • Adriano Marchese, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Vladlen Slepak, PhD, University of Miami
  • Nina Tsvetanova, PhD, Duke University

Tentative Schedule

Note: The morning program runs concurrently with the ASPET Annual Meeting.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

9:15 am – 9:30 am

Welcome and Introductory Remarks by the Organizing Committee

9:30 am - 10:15 am

Keynote: Jeff Benovic
Thomas Jefferson University, Professor
Topic: Past, Present, and Future of GRK and Arrestin Regulation of GPCR Signaling

10:15 am – 10:45 am

Coffee Break / Networking

10:45 am – 12:15 pm

Session 1:
Molecular, Cellular, and Spatial Dynamics of GPCR Signaling

 

10:45 am – 11:05 am
Vselvolod (Seva) Gurevich
Vanderbilt University, Professor
Topic: GPCR-independent functions of b-arrestins and the role of arrestin dynamics

 

11:05 am – 11:25 am
Makaia Papasergi-Scott
University of Rochester, Assistant Professor
Topic: Time-resolved cryo-EM of G protein activation

 

11:25 am – 11:45 pm
Alan Smrcka
University of Michigan, Professor
Topic: G protein/PLC signaling nanodomains in heart failure

 

11:45 pm – 12:05 pm
Roshanak Irannejad
University of California San Francisco, Associate Professor
Topic: Monoamine transporters and intracellular GPCR signaling

 

12:05 pm – 12:15 pm
A trainee speaker will be selected from submitted abstracts

12:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Networking in the Colloquium room with speakers/ attendees prior to lunch

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

COLLOQUIUM PAUSES.
GUESTS ATTEND ANNUAL MEETING AWARD LUNCH

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Session 2:
Structure-Based Drug Discovery

 

2:30 pm – 2:50 pm
JoAnn Trejo
University of California San Diego, Professor
Topic: Arrestins and a-arrestins in cancer progression and inflammation

 

2:50 pm – 3:10 pm
Adriano Marchese
Medical College of Wisconsin, Professor
Topic: Arrestin-dependent and independent GPCR trafficking and signaling

 

3:10 pm – 3:30 pm
John Tesmer
Purdue University, Professor
Topic: Structure based GRK drug discovery

3:30 pm – 3:50 pm
Nina Tsvetanova
Duke University, Assistant Professor
Topic: GPCR signaling from endomembranes

 

3:50 pm – 4:00 pm
A trainee speaker will be selected from submitted abstracts

4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Keynote: Mark Von Zastrow
University of California San Francisco, Professor
Topic: Functional specialization of GPCR signaling by β-arrestins

4:45 pm – 6:30 pm

Poster Session – Networking - Mixer

6:30 pm

Colloquium adjourns (dinner on own)

Posters

Abstract submission deadline: December 4, 2025
Poster presenters for the colloquium will be selected from abstracts submitted by December 4 to ASPET Annual Meeting specifically within the GPCR topic category (#3.6-GPCR).  Accepted posters will be presented at both the colloquium on Wednesday, May 20 and scheduled to present during one of the main ASPET Annual Meeting poster sessions on Sunday-Tuesday, May 17-19.

Registration

This is a satellite meeting to ASPET Annual Meeting. The colloquium ticket fee will be in addition to your Annual Meeting registration fees. Registration is expected to open in late October.

Contact ASPET Meetings with questions.

Sponsors

Interested in partnering with us? Learn More. Contact us at partnerwithus@aspet.org.

Important Dates

Sep

4

Session Proposals Due

Dec

4

Travel Award and Poster Competition Applications Due

Dec

4

Travel Award Applications Due

Feb

10

Deepest Registration Discounts End

Mar

 

Division Town Halls

Apr

21

Registration Discounts End

May

17-20

ASPET 2026 Annual Meeting

May

20

GPCR Colloquium

Jun

 

Online Award Lectures

ASPET's 2024 Member-Get-A-Member Campaign