Accurate processing of stalled or damaged replication forks is vital for maintaining genome integrity, yet the timely progression of DNA replication is continually challenged by a variety of obstacles, such as endogenous lesions, secondary structures in the DNA template, protein-DNA complexes, and conflicts with the transcription machinery. Defects in the replication stress response pathways cause significant threats to genome stability, cell survival, and overall human health highlighting the need for a more integrated view of DNA replication biology. 

This Keystone Symposia conference on DNA Replication: Pathway Crosstalk Shaping Physiology and Disease addresses the growing need to elucidate the numerous interfaces through which DNA replication impacts cellular physiology and human disease. Sessions will focus on coordination with transcription, DNA repair, chromatin organization, nuclear dynamics, cellular metabolism and tissue-specific adaptations, as well as emerging links to cancer, inflammation, and therapeutic response. Attendees will gain insights into emerging mechanistic crosstalk that impacts the DNA replication process as well as potential strategies to target DNA replication-associated pathways in disease. 

By bringing together experts in DNA replication, genome stability, and DNA repair with epigeneticists, cell biologists, and translational and industry researchers, this conference fosters interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges fundamental biology and therapeutic development and distinguishes it from previous DNA replication and repair meetings. The program is designed to shift current paradigms by framing DNA replication as a dynamic, networked process with broad biological and clinical implications.