January 8 - 13, 2011 Functional Consequences of Structural Variation in the Genome
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA Further information
Sequencing of genomes has led to the discovery of a spectrum of both small-scale and large-scale genetic variation among individuals. Changes in copy-number and genome structural variation are common in most mammalian species and affect a wide range of phenotypic traits. The goal of this symposium will be to explore the relative impact of structural variation to common and rare human genetic diseases; discuss our understanding of 'normal' patterns of structural variation and its origin based on examining additional human genomes using new sequencing technologies; explore the extent of intraspecific variation in other organisms and their importance in phenotypic traits; and discuss the adaptive importance of this form of variation during the evolution of mammalian species.
Suggested reading: Genomics
January 8 - 13, 2011 Frontiers of NMR in Biology
Big Sky, Montana, USA Further information
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is now a well-established tool for determining structures of small to moderate size biomacromolecules. The horizon is expanding, however, through recent methodological advances, including the evolution of approaches that combine NMR with computational, X-ray crystallographic, cryo-electron microscopic, and single molecule methodologies. These have led to unprecedented insights into structure, dynamics, and mechanisms, even in large systems, making NMR a premier tool for studying macromolecular function. This symposium will highlight the latest technological advances in NMR spectroscopy, as well as recent bio-functional discoveries made using these approaches. Emphasis will be placed on systems that challenge the current technology, including high-molecular weights, membrane proteins, folding and dynamics, transient states, and drug discovery. In addition, the symposium will provide a forum for discussions on the needs and efforts to consolidate the best approaches, and on the latest advances and new trends in biological NMR.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology
January 9 - 14, 2011 NK and NKT Cell Biology: Specificity and Redundancy of Innate Responses
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA Further information
This meeting will address issues related to the biological roles of these two specialized innate lymphocyte populations by bringing together NK and NKT cell experts to discuss their latest cutting-edge results on topics including NK/NKT development, NK/NKT cell ligand recognition, NK/NKT activation and "crosstalk", and roles for NK/NKT cells as both effectors and regulators of the immune response in inflammatory disease, infection and cancer. This 'confrontation' between NK cell and NKT cell biologists should promote a lively forum for discussion and debate about the specificity and redundancy of NK/NKT cell responses, and can hopefully lead to new collaborations to help advance our understanding of the biological roles of these important innate mediators.
Suggested reading: Genomics (Epigenetics, Chapter 13) The Role of MicroRNAs in Human Cancer
January 9 - 14, 2011 Adult Neurogenesis
Taos, New Mexico, USA Further information
The ability to generate new neurons in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus provides the adult mammalian brain an important level of plasticity for maintaining cellular homeostasis under physiological conditions, and potentially underlies an injury response under pathological contexts. Yet a full understanding of the neural stem cell niche, basic molecular mechanisms that ultimately dictate the fate of neural stem/progenitor cells, and intrinsic properties that guide the functional integration of newborn neurons in the existing circuitry is still in its infancy. The goal of this Keystone symposium is, by presenting novel mechanistic insights into the regulation and functional implications of adult neurogenesis, both the speakers and audience will gain further understanding, initiate extensive discussion, and promote scientific collaboration regarding the control of self-renewal, survival, and fate specification of neural stem cells in the adult mammalian brain.
January 10 - 15, 2011 Histone Code: Fact or Fiction?
Midway, Utah, USA Further information
This meeting strives to bring together scientists from different 'camps', to illuminate the effects of posttranslational modifications from many viewpoints. The emphasis here is on the effect of PTMs on the structure and readout of the genome, and less on the enzymatic activities and their regulation. Speakers will be encouraged to engage in rigorous discussion, as is obvious in the format for the opening and closing session which will be held in discussion format. In particular, we plan to, Investigate how histone modifications participate in the maintenance of epigenetic information, Elaborate on recent findings that epigenetic states are likely conveyed as a dynamic equilibrium of opposing modifying activities that involves feedback loops, and talk about 'epigenetic memory', How do histone modifications affect nucleosome / chromatin structure and stability / interaction with chromatin architectural proteins?, Discuss the responsiveness of the epigenetic process, and the 3-D interplay in the nuclear environment that ultimately decides which gene will be fired up, Have a workshop highlighting newest approaches / technologies to study histone modification states, Have a final round table discussion to perhaps re-define and tighten up terminology, and to consolidate viewpoints where possible.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology
January 12 - 17, 2011 Type 2 Diabetes, Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Dysfunction
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
The program showcases recent advances in the molecular etiology of obesity-related functional impairments in the major peripheral organs that orchestrate energy flux and glycemic control: skeletal and cardiac muscle, adipose tissue, the liver and the pancreas. Thematic emphasis will center on lipid signaling and lipotoxicity, nutrient sensing, mitochondrial energetics, circadian biology and epigenetics. A major goal of the meeting is to provide a forum that encourages interactions between basic and translational scientists at all career levels to critically evaluate new developments and current controversies. Opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions will be further enhanced by the concurrent meeting on "Obesity and Adipogenesis", which will share two Keynote Speakers and three plenary sessions with the Diabetes meeting.
January 12 - 17, 2011 Obesity
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
The program highlights recent advances in the molecular etiology of in the major peripheral organs that orchestrate energy balance: adipose tissue, the brain and the gut. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the gut in the regulation of energy metabolism, how the peripheral tissues signal to the brain, and adipose tissue as an orchestrator of metabolism. A major goal of the meeting is to provide a forum that encourages interactions between basic and translational scientists at all career levels to critically evaluate new developments and current controversies. Opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions will be further enhanced by the concurrent meeting on "Diabetes", which will share two Keynote Speakers and three joint plenary sessions with this meeting. The joint sessions will cover mitochondrial energetics, how adipose tissue causes insulin resistance and the epigenetic control of metabolism concluding with a workshop / panel discussion on mechanisms of insulin resistance in obesity.
January 15 - 20, 2011 Tuberculosis: Immunology, Cell Biology and Novel Vaccination Strategies
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Further information
Topics include the molecular genetics and biochemistry of the pathogen with emphasis on unique lineage and growth state-specific features and the immunology and molecular genetics of the host during latency, reactivation and active disease. Because the outcomes of TB are influenced by genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences on both host and pathogen, the meeting will highlight research on host-pathogen crosstalk at the basic cellular and molecular level as well as human studies that determine the basis of susceptibility to and severity of tuberculosis. Finally, the most recent results on clinical trials of drug and vaccine candidates will be discussed in depth. It is hoped that this meeting will provide not only deeper insights into the complex crosstalk between host and pathogen, but also information on novel measures for TB control including pre- and post-exposure vaccination strategies, combat of extensively drug-resistant strains and novel therapeutic stratagems to avoid IRIS.
Suggested reading: Mycobacterium: Genomics and Molecular Biology
January 15 - 20, 2011 Mycobacteria: Physiology, Metabolism and Pathogenesis-Back to the Basics
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Further information
Topics include the molecular genetics and biochemistry of the pathogen with emphasis on unique lineage and growth state-specific features and the immunology and molecular genetics of the host during latency, reactivation and active disease. Because the outcomes of TB are influenced by genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences on both host and pathogen, the meeting will highlight research on host-pathogen crosstalk at the basic cellular and molecular level as well as human studies that determine the basis of susceptibility to and severity of tuberculosis. Finally, the most recent results on clinical trials of drug and vaccine candidates will be discussed in depth. It is hoped that this meeting will provide not only deeper insights into the complex crosstalk between host and pathogen, but also information on novel measures for TB control including pre- and post-exposure vaccination strategies, combat of extensively drug-resistant strains and novel therapeutic stratagems to avoid IRIS.
Suggested reading: Mycobacterium: Genomics and Molecular Biology
January 17 - 22, 2011 Plant Abiotic Stress Tolerance Mechanisms, Water and Global Agriculture
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
Plant abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and heat together with the growing world population and per capita food consumption threaten stable global food availability. Fresh water is becoming a scarce and threatened resource for human health and nutrition, according to United Nations and World Bank reports. In arid regions, >80 or >90 % of fresh water is used for food production for human nutrition. Furthermore, increasing salinity stress is reducing agricultural production and available crop land. Climate change and the continuing atmospheric CO2 rise will have increasingly profound effects on agriculture, abiotic stress and plant growth in arid regions. Recent research is uncovering a combination of key genes, quantitative trait loci and molecular networks that mediate plant responses to drought, salinity, heat and other abiotic stresses. Furthermore, field research and practices are being developed to cope with the predicted devastating effects of climate change on African agriculture. This conference aims to bring experts in global agriculture close together with researchers making new advances in understanding abiotic stress response mechanisms and networks in plants and will include investigation of major obstacles that will need to be overcome at several relevant levels to address this global challenge.
Suggested reading: Plant Virology Environmental Biology
January 21 - 26, 2011 Epithelial Plasticity and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Further information
We propose a conference roster to highlight the progress in our understanding of EMT against the background of the inherent plasticity of the epithelial cells. Following a keynote address, we propose a first session that will set the stage for subsequent sessions on EMT. This first session will discuss current insights into the differentiation of epithelial cells from stem cells, the maintenance of epithelial integrity and the inherent plasticity of epithelial cells. Against this background, the next seven sessions will discuss progress in our understanding of (1) the molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial plasticity and EMT (2 sessions), (2) the roles of EMT in normal development (2 sessions), (3) the roles of EMT in cancer (2 sessions) and fibrosis (1 session), including progress toward therapies based on inhibition of EMT. We appreciate that these divisions are artificial, since e.g. mechanistic studies are often validated in the context of development, cancer or fibrosis. Nevertheless, as artificial as these three subdivisions may be, we aim to give about equal weight to the cell biology of EMT, its developmental roles and its roles in pathology. The overall subject matter of the different aspects of the proposed conference is highlighted in the Background section above and in the discussion of the individual sessions further below, to which we refer. The purpose of this conference will be to bring together scientists who work on disparate aspects of epithelial plasticity and EMT. We expect to see an integration of cell and molecular biologists, developmental biologists, cancer biologists and organ/tissue biologists. Many of these scientists may be basic scientists, yet we also expect a substantial participation by scientists with translational interest and clinician-scientists, and significant interest from pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
Suggested reading: Genomics (Epigenetics, Chapter 13) The Role of MicroRNAs in Human Cancer
January 23 - 28, 2011 Transmembrane Signaling by GPCRs and Channels
Taos, New Mexico, USA Further information
Cellular membranes present natural borders for signal transduction between cells and their environment. Nature developed different strategies to enable signals to cross the membrane barrier. The goal of this meeting is to discuss the molecular mechanisms of transmembrane signaling on the basis of three protein classes, i.e. G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and transporters. Available protein structures together with biophysical and functional approaches will provide guidance to explore similarities and differences of the underlying mechanisms. Exemplified will be receptors and channels as well as proteins with dual or modified functions, such as channelrhodopsin. A comparative view is thought to bring researchers from diverse fields together and to stimulate further development of transmembrane signaling proteins in drug discovery and fighting disease.
January 23 - 28, 2011 Extracellular Matrix and Cardiovascular Remodeling
Tahoe City, California, USA Further information
In response to normal growth as well as a variety of pathophysiological signals, the cardiovascular system undergoes a series of structural and functional adaptations, collectively known as remodeling, that are directed responses to both the initial stimulus and to feed-forward changes that result from the precipitating event. Remodeling is driven by the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment, in terms of altered ECM levels, composition, and function. The purpose of this meeting is to bring together researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical industry representatives to 1) focus on controversies and knowledge gaps that still prevent or limit therapeutic translation; 2) borrow from other fields (particularly cancer and skin wound healing) to gain insight into ECM functions; and 3) to offer direction and stimulate progress in cardiovascular ECM research.
January 23 - 28, 2011 The Evolution of Protein Phosphorylation
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
Major progress has been made in defining the basis of signaling in eukaryotic cells both with respect to the function and structure of protein modules that are involved in signaling and how these proteins are organized into pathways and networks that are used to regulate cellular responses to extracellular and intracellular stimuli. Through intensive studies over the past 40 years protein phosphorylation has become one of the best understood signaling mechanisms. Most of what has been learned has been derived from studies of a few model organisms, which have taught us that several major signal transduction pathways are conserved in evolution. The recent flood of new eukaryotic genome sequences has engendered significant interest in understanding the evolution of the protein kinases and phosphatases and other signaling proteins involved in protein phosphorylation (e.g. where did tyrosine kinases come from?). In addition, the explosion of phosphoproteomic data from multiple organisms (including prokaryotes) indicates that the majority of proteins in the cell may be phosphorylated, leading to questions such as whether all the detected phosphorylation events are functional, and how this can be addressed, especially for highly phosphorylated proteins.
January 30 - February 4, 2011 Stem Cells in Development, Tissue Homestasis and Disease
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Further information
This meeting is focussed on the mechanisms controlling stem cells throughout life. The presentations will define the different pluripotent cells in the early embryo and the signals that lead them into the many distinct cell types that co-operate to form an adult organism. An exciting aspect of the field is that as we define the shared mechanisms controlling different tissues, we will generate an integrated view of human development. This symposium is designed to present key advances that are leading to a systematic understanding of the biology of human tissues throughout life. In this program, we strive to balance recognized problems in the stem cell field and new ideas that will functionalize human genetic and cellular diversity providing a new understanding of developmental decisions and tissue repair. The presentations will form a strong platform for all the participants to discuss new technologies that identify the central regulators of development and treat disease.
January 30 - February 4, 2011 Genomic Instability and DNA Repair
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
The maintenance of genomic integrity following DNA damage depends on the coordination of DNA repair, cell cycle progression, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation and apoptosis. The integrity of the DNA damage response pathways plays a critical role in human health. This meeting will present the most recent advance in the field and reveal how a complex network of signaling transduction pathways are involved in DNA damage response. The topics include early detection of DNA lesions, DNA damage checkpoint control, DNA repair, genotoxic damage in cancer stem cells, modulation of DNA damage signaling by microRNAs, systems biology approaches to DNA damage and the use of cutting edge technologies in the study of DNA damage responses.
Suggested reading: Genomics (Epigenetics, Chapter 13) The Role of MicroRNAs in Human Cancer
February 6 - 11, 2011 Lung Development and Repair
Santa Fe, New Mexico Further information
The lung is a complex three-dimensional organ. Its vital functions depend upon the initial establishment and maintenance of dynamic interactions between multiple tissue types. These include the highly branched system of airway tubes and terminal alveolar sacs, blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, smooth muscle and fibroblasts, and cells of the immune system. Defects in these interactions underlie many serious respiratory disorders, both in the neonate and adult. This meeting will highlight recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular processes driving the development of the lung and how its organization is maintained over the long term in the adult, as well as how these mechanisms are perturbed in disease. New ideas and approaches will be catalyzed by examples from other organ systems. The meeting will also address a major goal in lung biology - to identify the progenitor cells that mediate tissue regeneration and repair after damage by environmental factors or disease.
February 6 - 11, 2011 Immunologic Memory, Persisting Microbes and Chronic Disease
Banff, Alberta, Canada Further information
Immunological memory can provide potent protection from infectious disease. Many infections are cleared rapidly by the immune system leaving the host with protective memory B and T cell memory. However, other host-pathogen interactions are long-term and can develop into chronic diseases. Immunological memory develops differently during these protracted infections. Prolonged host-pathogen interactions, chronic infections and co-infection with multiple pathogens can impact the host's immune system in ways that remain incompletely understood. Moreover, the universe of microorganisms with which our immune system interacts includes not only pathogens, but also normal bacterial and viral commensal flora. The impact of these microorganisms immunological memory is only just starting to be evaluated. The goals of this meeting are to discuss: 1) cutting edge research on the mechanisms of optimal immunological memory, 2) the impact of prolonged host-microbe interactions on immunological memory and 3) how the application of cutting edge approaches to studying these issues can help generated better vaccines and immunotherapies.
Suggested reading: Microbiology books
February 6 - 11, 2011 Antibodies and Drugs
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
The therapeutic antibody field has matured to the point where antibody based drugs have become commonly prescribed for many indication, particularly in cancer and rheumatology. This conference will bring together basic scientists, clinicians, and pharmaceutical industry scientists engaged in antibody drug discovery and development to provide a view of the current state of the art and areas for future progress.
February 11 - 16, 2011 MicroRNAs and Non-Coding RNAs and Cancer
Banff, Alberta, Canada Further information
Studies of tumor-associated genetic alterations and expression profiling normal and tumor cells, disease-associated stroma, and immune cells increasingly point to non-coding RNAs as key players in cancer biology. Since strategies that intervene in non-coding RNA pathways for therapeutic purposes are moving rapidly into the clinic, it is critical to deepen our understanding of the biology of small RNAs in the context of cancer. The goal of the proposed meeting is to bring together biologists studying the basic principles of non-coding RNA-based regulation and those studying the roles of non-coding RNAs in cancer with both industrial and clinical researchers focused on translating non-coding RNA-based therapies into the clinic. It is our hope that the resulting synergy will create both a deeper understanding of gene regulatory mechanisms and how they are altered in cancer and new opportunities to exploit this understanding for the benefit of cancer patients.
Suggested reading: RNA Interference and Viruses (Epigenetics, Chapter 13) The Role of MicroRNAs in Human Cancer
February 11 - 16, 2011 MicroRNAs and Human Disease
Banff, Alberta, Canada Further information
MicroRNAs have emerged as key regulators of numerous diseases including cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and vascular abnormalities. This meeting will bring together international leaders in the field of microRNA biology and its relationship to human disease. Because the meeting will be concurrent with the Keystone meeting on non-coding RNAs and cancer, we will focus on diseases other than cancer. There will be combined plenary sessions focusing on microRNA mechanisms of action and the identification of microRNA targets. Subsequent sessions will cover the latest advances on the roles of microRNAs in stem cells, cardiovascular, muscle, infectious, and neurological diseases. The meeting will conclude with combined sessions on recent advances in microRNA therapeutics.
Suggested reading: RNA Interference and Viruses (Epigenetics, Chapter 13) The Role of MicroRNAs in Human Cancer RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression
February 12 - 17, 2011 Dendritic Cells and the Initiation of Adaptive Immunity
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico Further information
In this symposium, each of these aspects of dendritic cell biology and immunological function will be explored in detail, including taking a number of "in depth" looks at functions (such as innate activation mechanisms) that are key to understanding how dendritic cells perform their many remarkable tasks. In addition, this symposium will combine and synergize with a second, jointly organized symposium entitled "Cancer Control by Tumor Suppressors and Immune Effectors", thereby emphasizing emerging concepts concerning the role of the immune response in cancer and cancer therapy.
February 12 - 17, 2011 Cancer Control by Tumor Supressors and Immune Effectors
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico Further information
The major objectives will be as follows: 1) examine the molecular links between tumor intrinsic checkpoints (p53, NF-Kappa B, autophagy, DNA damage response and immunity or immunosuppression, 2) explore the indirect effects of anticancer therapies (conventional or targeted) on the immune system, 3) describe the rationale for and the potential benefit of novel strategies of cancer vaccines or immunotherapies exploiting this knowledge.
February 13 - 18, 2011 Inositide Signaling in Pharmacology and Disease
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
Phosphoinositide and inositol phosphates interact with and modulate the recruitment and activation of key regulatory proteins and in doing so control diverse functions including cell growth and proliferation, apoptosis, cytoskeletal dynamics, insulin action, vesicle trafficking and nuclear function. Initially, inositide signaling was limited to the PLC pathway; however, it is now clear that all the seven phosphoinositides and more than 30 different inositol phosphates likely have specific signaling functions. Moreover there is a growing list of proteins that are regulated by inositol signaling. This has raised the question as to how inositol signaling can control diverse processes and yet maintain signaling specificity. Controlling the levels of inositol signaling molecules and their subcellular compartmentalisation is likely to be critical. This meeting will bring together scientists from different backgrounds to discuss how understanding inositol signaling may be used to target complex human diseases that manifest themselves when inositol signaling is deregulated.
February 13 - 18, 2011 PI 3-Kinase Signaling Pathways
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
The PI 3-kinase signaling pathway controls multiple physiological processes including cell growth, cell proliferation and cell movement. Dysregulation of this pathway in cancer, inflammation and heart disease has led to the emergence of PI 3-kinase as a promising therapeutic target. One of the most exciting developments in this field is the development of new PI 3-kinase inhibitors that are currently entering the clinic. The balance between modulating PI 3-kinase activity in pathophysiological setting, whilst avoiding unwanted side-effects, is the subject of intense debate. In addition, as PI 3-kinase is a member of a multigene family, the rationale for inhibiting individual isoforms or multiple isoforms of PI 3-kinase is constantly changing. This meeting aims to bring together scientists and clinicians from academia and industry to discuss the opportunities and liabilities of targeting the PI 3-kinase pathway in disease, drawing on human pathophysiology and genetics, mouse models and (pre)clinical data with new PI 3-kinase inhibitors.
February 15 - 20, 2011 Genetics, Immunology and Repair in MS
Taos, New Mexico, USA Further information
Although the specific etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains unknown, important insights into the genetics and environmental triggers underlying the disease have been made. This conference will discuss advances in MS genetics, epigenetics and the interaction of genetics with the environment, particularly with vitamin D metabolism and Epstein Barr Virus. There will be a focus on the immunopathogenesis of MS, including pre-active MS lesions, mechanisms of lymphocyte activation, the B cell and trafficking of cells across the blood brain barrier. The application of new imaging methods and therapeutic strategies that target the immune system and promote remyelination will be discussed. The challenge of integrating emerging insights in the basic mechanisms of myelination, autoimmune demyelination, and neurodegeneration with translational science will he discussed. The goal of this meeting is to provide a broad spectrum of MS researchers with a forum to discuss recent advances, and to foster cross-disciplinary interactions and collaborations.
Suggested reading: Epigenetics
February 22 - 27, 2011 Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Molecular and Cellular Basis for Neurodegeneration
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic age-dependent progressive disorders that are substantial and growing health problems, which exert a tremendous toll on the patient, family, health system and society as a whole. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to identify therapies that slow and/or reverse the progression of these disorders. Research in neurodegenerative disorders is providing tremendous advances in the molecular understanding of these disorders. New insights in cell biology, biochemistry, genomics and proteomics into these illnesses are leading to mechanism based therapies and new tools and biomarkers to study disease progression and therapeutic efficacy. In this meeting an emphasis will be placed on understanding new molecular and common mechanisms of disease in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), triple repeat diseases, frontotemporal lobar dementia and others.
February 22 - 27, 2011 Mechanisms of Cardiac Growth, Death and Regeneration
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in the world. Although advances have been made in our understanding of cardiac biology and pathobiology, significant conceptual and practical gaps remain. These two symposia address that gap by focusing on fundamental mechanisms that regulate cardiac structure, function, and repair and how they relate to human disease. The major consideration in the design of these two symposia was integration. Accordingly, each symposium was designed in a very unconventional manner. All six organizers participated in the design of each symposium. Only after all sessions were designed was each "assigned" to one meeting or the other. Consequently, integration exists at multiple levels: the science, the speakers, and hopefully the attendees. With respect to the science, the subject matter of the two symposia is linked at both the fundamental and medical level. The speakers themselves are linked with both symposia by virtue of their scientific interests and conference duties: e.g, some are even speaking in one symposium and moderating in the other. The attendees will be linked to both symposia by virtue of scientific interests and the multiple joint sessions.
February 26 - March 3, 2011 Molecular Cardiology: Disease Mechanisms and Experimental Therapeutics
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in the world. Although advances have been made in our understanding of cardiac biology and pathobiology, significant conceptual and practical gaps remain. These two symposia address that gap by focusing on fundamental mechanisms that regulate cardiac structure, function, and repair and how they relate to human disease. The major consideration in the design of these two symposia was integration. Accordingly, each symposium was designed in a very unconventional manner. All six organizers participated in the design of each symposium. Only after all sessions were designed was each "assigned" to one meeting or the other. Consequently, integration exists at multiple levels: the science, the speakers, and hopefully the attendees. With respect to the science, the subject matter of the two symposia is linked at both the fundamental and medical level. The speakers themselves are linked with both symposia by virtue of their scientific interests and conference duties: e.g, some are even speaking in one symposium and moderating in the other. The attendees will be linked to both symposia by virtue of scientific interests and the multiple joint sessions.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology
February 26 - March 3, 2011 Mucosal Biology: A Fine Balance between Tolerance and Immunity
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Further information
Experts from the basic science and clinical fields of mucosal biology will be brought together with leaders from other scientific disciplines for a stimulating discussion on the mechanisms regulating the maturation, development and maintenance of mucosal responses in health and disease. Attention will be given to gut, lung, skin, eye and genitourinary tract tissues. The latest information on novel cell types and receptors important for regulating immunity and enhancing mucosal protection will be presented. The influence of infection on driving altered host immunity will be interrogated. Modern approaches to vaccine development and imaging technology will be highlighted. And, the most up to date advances from the physical sciences and engineering will be discussed as we look to the medical needs and developments of the future.
February 27 - March 3, 2011 Immunity in the Respiratory Tract: Challenges of the Lung Environment
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Further information
Recently, there has been an explosion in information about the regulation of inflammation, immunity, and immunopathology in the lung. Despite these advances, we still have only a rudimentary understanding of how these responses relate to the lung environment or how and why they translate into beneficial or detrimental effects, health or disease. The goals of this meeting are to (i) bring together allergists, immunologists, microbiologists and vaccinologists to discuss pulmonary inflammation and immunity in the context of lung biology and (ii) to build on this understanding to develop improved vaccines and therapeutic interventions for inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases that affect the lungs. Expert talks in plenary sessions will present the latest research in the field. Workshops and additional talks will add late-breaking cutting-edge results. The meeting will considerably advance our understanding of respiratory immunity.
February 27 - March 4, 2011 Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Tahoe City, California, USA Further information
One major goal of evolutionary biology is to understand how morphological variation arises within populations and how species diverge. Four major challenges in understanding the genetic and molecular basis of morphological evolution are the identification of loci underlying trait divergence, the elucidation of functional changes within these loci, tracing the origin of functional variation and adaptations in populations, and reconstruction of how major innovations have been assembled over time. Current research in evolutionary developmental biology is addressing these challenges in a variety of model animals, plants, and microbes. The pace of progress is such that it is now possible to pose general questions about the process of morphological evolution, such as: are there any general themes underlying the genetic and developmental basis of variation and divergence? And, are the phenomena and mechanisms observable over short time scales sufficient to explain processes that have unfolded over much longer time scales in the fossil record? The purpose of this Keystone meeting on evolutionary developmental biology is to gather the leading researchers across the discipline to share emerging information and to address these general questions. The prospective speakers include the most notable contributors to the field and emerging young investigators who together constitute an exceptionally broad representation of this highly interdisciplinary research field.
Suggested reading: Molecular Phylogeny
March 1 - 6, 2011 DNA Replication and Recombination
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
As the pathways that govern DNA replication and DNA recombination are better defined, there is exciting progress in our understanding of the basic mechanisms of these processes. There is also growing evidence that replication and recombination are intimately connected in order to resolve problems arising during DNA replication, and to define outcomes with respect to chromosome integrity. This meeting will integrate mechanistic insights from biochemical studies with cellular pathways that control DNA replication initiation and progression, DNA recombination, and responses to DNA damage. Specific plenary sessions will focus on DNA replication mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recombination sessions will present progress in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying mitotic recombination, and on recombination-based responses to replication stress and DNA damage. Sessions will also address cell cycle checkpoint and chromatin structural responses to DNA damage. The plenary sessions will be conducted by invited speakers and speakers selected from submitted abstracts. In addition, four related workshops will be conducted, with short talks selected from submitted abstracts.
March 6 - 11, 2011 Biofuels
Singapore Further information
The topics covered in this meeting will include the most promising avenues for bioenergy production. Talks will cover state of the art research on cellulosic ethanol, next generation fermentation of biofuels, algal biofuels, and the development of new biomass feedstocks. Talks will also cover economic and environmental considerations of biofuels technologies, as well as integration of biofuels into the existing energy infrastructure. As we enter an era of decreasing fossil fuel use we need to understand the opportunities and challenges of building a new biofuels industry. Significant economic and logistic challenges need to be met, while retaining the most environmentally beneficial practices. This meeting will bring together academic and industrial scientist with planning and policy makers all working to identify the most promising avenues to a viable biofuels future.
Suggested reading: (Chapter 19) Synthesis of Bacterial Polysaccharides as a Limiting Factor for Biofuel Production
March 6 - 11, 2011 Stem Cells, Cancer and Metastasis
Keystone, Colorado, USA Further information
The meeting will provide a forum for exchange of information and insights between these rapidly moving fields. In addition to increasing the sharing of key scientific approaches we believe this conference will galvanize collaborative efforts among disparate research communities to address several key outstanding questions: (i) What is the relationship between normal and malignant tissue stem cells? (ii) What is the relationship between cancer stem cells and the so-called "metastatic precursor", that is capable of indefinite proliferation at the new metastatic site? (iii) What are the interactions between stromal and stem-like cancer cells in primary and metastatic disease sites? How do these interactions facilitate disease propagation and metastatic spread? (iv) How should we monitor in vivo the biology of stem-like cells in primary tumors and metastasis? (v) What are the optimal approaches to target therapeutically stem-like cancer cells in primary and metastatic disease? By focusing on these questions, we aim to elicit exciting fundamental biological discussions with significant translational application.
March 20 - 24, 2011 New Frontiers at the Interface of Immuntiy and Glycolbiology
Banff, Alberta, Canada Further information
Carbohydrates are often overlooked in the study of the immune system, yet mounting data show that glycans, whether microbial or host in origin, play central roles in essentially all immune response pathways. Changes in glycosylation of host proteins can lead to autoimmunity, indicate oncogenic transformation, or even promote metastasis. Inflammation can be strongly influenced by carbohydrate binding proteins on immune cells. Selectins play critical roles in cell homing to the site of infection, while glycosylation directly influences cellular development and differentiation. Recent advances also highlight how glycan-mediated antigen recognition by dendritic cells impacts our understanding of the innate immune response, while other findings reveal that glycolipids and bacterial polysaccharides can lead to NKT and T cell activation. The goal of this meeting is to bring together the international "glycoimmunology" community to foster interactions and promote the latest insights into the role of glycans in the immune system.
March 20 - 25, 2011 AAA+ and Related ATP-Driven Protein Machines: Structure, Function and Mechanism
Tahoe City, California, USA Further information
AAA+ protein machines catalyze basic biological processes: they degrade proteins, remodel protein complexes and nucleic acids, transport macromolecules across membranes, and shape membranes. They are at the center of cellular processes such as cell cycle control, protein sorting, DNA replication, cytoskeleton dynamics, and membrane budding. Thus, AAA+ machines play roles in a wide range of disease including cancer, neurodegeneration and infection. Despite the diversity of function, there appears to be a common operating mode of AAA+ proteins and we are at the cusp of acquiring a deep understanding of their molecular mechanism. However, different aspects of the mechanism are understood in different systems. At this conference we would bring together speakers that have elucidated critical aspects of different AAA+ proteins. The group transcends molecular scales and methodology. We add a smaller number of speakers who have made breakthroughs in the understanding of proteins that do not belong to the AAA+ family but are either functionally or structurally related. We hope that this combination will lead to insights into the common mechanism of these proteins and inspire novel experimental approaches and discoveries.
March 20 - 25, 2011 Mechanism and Biology of Silencing
Monterey, California, USA Further information
Mechanisms of gene regulation mediated by small RNAs, including microRNAs, siRNAs and piRNAs, play critical roles in processes central to the growth and metabolism of eukaryotic cells and to the development and homeostasis of tissues and organs in humans. Genetic, molecular and biochemical research into RNA silencing, employing model organisms and/or human cells and tissues, continues to reveal new insights and understanding of processes fundamental to human development and disease.
Suggested reading: RNA Interference and Viruses (Epigenetics, Chapter 13) The Role of MicroRNAs in Human Cancer RNA and the Regulation of Gene Expression
March 20 - 25, 2011 HIV Evolution, Genomics and Pathogenesis
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada Further information
Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis relies on understanding the complex interplay between the virus and its host. Increasingly, the field is relying on the power of comparative studies of similar viruses in other species, and on whole genome analyses to elucidate which pathways are critical. The use of evolutionary analyses of both host and virus is also providing novel insights into viral transmission and innate immune responses. This Keystone Symposia meeting will use diverse disciplines to promote further insights into the dynamic interplay between the virus and the host in areas of pathogenesis, mucosal biology, the roles of viral and host genes, and viral latency. Understanding these issues is critical for the design and development of an effective vaccine and the next generation of antiviral agents.
Suggested reading: Alphaherpesviruses Vaccine Design Retroviruses: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Pathogenesis
March 25 - 30, 2011 Protection from HIV: Targeted Intervention Strategies
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada Further information
Biological efforts to prevent HIV infection center on four independent approaches: inducing adaptive immune responses through vaccination, augmenting innate responses, using peri-exposure prophylactic drug therapy, and developing microbicides and/or recombinant antiviral microbial products. While all four of these approaches have promise, they still require significant optimization and further clinical trials. Indeed, successful prevention of HIV infection will likely require a combination of these approaches. Such development efforts require a better understanding of viral and immunological events at the site of transmission. This Keystone Symposia meeting will have a focus on mucosal immunology as well as the interplay between the virus and innate and adaptive immune responses, particularly during the acute phase of the infection. Leading experts in the fields will discuss recent scientific advances in these varied approaches to preventing infection and present data from recent clinical trials testing their efficacy.
Suggested reading: Alphaherpesviruses Vaccine Design Retroviruses: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Pathogenesis
March 27 - April 1, 2011 Microbial Communities as Drivers of Ecosystem Complexity
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA Further information
The main purpose of the symposium is to assemble the leaders in the field of environmental microbial ecology and the human microbiome to stimulate interaction and collaboration. Session topics will address every aspect of the study of microbial communities, from microbial surveys, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, proteomics and community modeling. Each session will include speakers studying environmental communities and the human microbiome. The interactive nature of this symposium will spur collaborations and a better integration of these two similar fields of study.
Suggested reading: Environmental Microbiology
March 27 - April 1, 2011 Autophagy
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada Further information
Autophagy is an essential cellular process that mediates continuous recycling of intracellular components and becomes an alternative source of energy when nutrients are scarce. Novel roles of autophagy in embryogenesis, development, cellular defence and cell death have emerged from recent studies, along with growing evidence of associations between autophagic dysfunction and disease. However, a deeper understanding of the molecular effectors and regulators of autophagy is still required if we are to effectively repair, restore or modulate autophagy in whole organisms for therapeutic purposes. This meeting will bring together experts in different areas of cell biology, genetics, cellular pathophysiology and metabolism to foster multidisciplinary discussions intended to advance our knowledge about the different autophagic mechanisms, their regulation and their contribution to normal cell functioning and to disease.
Suggested reading: (Chapter 21) Herpesviruses and the Control of Autophagy
March 27 - April 1, 2011 Hematopoiesis
Big Sky, Montana, USA Further information
Our proposed meeting will include a diverse group of scientists studying hematopoiesis with new technologies and complementary model systems. Speakers will be invited from all career stages, and talks will focus on current findings, emerging opportunities, and immediate challenges within the field. We expect this meeting to serve as a catalyst to develop new ideas and collaborations, and to enhance and encourage the creative and interactive science that will continue to push forward discoveries in this important area of research.
April 1 - 5, 2011 Environmental Epigenomics and Disease Suseptibility
Asheville, North Carolina, USA Further information
There are now compelling human epidemiological and animal experimental data that indicate the risk of developing adult-onset complex diseases and neurological disorders are influenced by persistent epigenetic adaptations in response to prenatal and early postnatal exposures to environmental factors. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA. The main components of the epigenetic code are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. The epigenetic programs in cells are normally faithfully reproduced during mitosis. Moreover, they can also be maintained during meiosis, resulting in epigenetic transgenerational disease inheritance, and potentially introducing phenotypic variation that is selected for in the evolution of new species. The objective of this conference is to provide evidence that environmental exposures during early development can alter the risk of developing medical conditions, such as asthma, autism, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and schizophrenia later in life by modifying the epigenome. Epigenetic research promises to markedly improve our ability to diagnosis, prevent, and treat the pathological conditions of humans; however, it also introduces unique legal and ethical issues. These will also be discussed.
Suggested reading: Epigenomics Environmental Microbiology
April 1 - 6, 2011 Metabolic Responses to Extreme Conditions
Big Sky, Montana, USA Further information
Animals face a number of extreme stressors to which they must respond. Generally researchers have focused on responses to particular stressful situations, and hence research communities have grown up around these specialized areas. The aim of this meeting is to draw together several of these research communities in a unique interdisciplinary meeting. The aim of bringing such communities together is to allow researchers to explore parallel responses of animals to rather different 'extremes'. We hope this will allow the emergence of common themes and provide an opportunity for researchers to interact with others outside their main areas of interest.
Suggested reading: Archaea Environmental Microbiology
April 3 - 7, 2011 Immunoregulatory Networks
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA Further information
Immunoregulatory networks play a pivotal role in preventing autoimmunity, but also restrict anti-tumor immunity and modulate immune responses to pathogens. While regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a central component of this network, there is now the growing realization that there are many other cellular and molecular components that contribute to this network. While this will be is a Treg-centric meeting, it will also focus on how Tregs integrate with other cellular and molecular components to prevent autoimmunity and control immune responses. This meeting will dissect our current understanding of four key areas: development and homeostasis of regulatory populations, molecular control of immunoregulatory networks, mechanisms of regulatory function and regulatory T cell plasticity. A second goal will be to discuss how Tregs interact with different cells types or utilize different cytokines that modulate or indirectly mediate their activity. A third goal will be to assess how the advances presented can be utilized to develop novel therapies for autoimmune disease and cancer.
April 3 - 7, 2011 Drugs from Bugs: The Anti-Inflammatory Drugs of Tomorrow
Snowbird, Utah, USA Further information
A recent global trend is that less novel therapeutics are progressing from the biopharmaceutical pipeline to the clinic. This has prompted the drug research and development sector to adopt less conventional approaches in broadening the search for new drugs. In this meeting we will examine the growing opportunities for discovery of novel drugs from pathogens, or the "drugs from bugs" approach. The genome of man is the product of the evolution of humans adapting to environmental factors, with infectious pathogens exerting potent selective pressure. Some of the major immune-mediated diseases of today are associated with genes that evolved to respond to pathogens. Novel therapeutic strategies and new drugs can be developed by both understanding how pathogens modulate and usurp the immune system, and also by identifying the functional molecules from pathogens. Indeed, a new generation of pathogen-derived immune modulating molecules is now in clinical trials. In this meeting leading experts will present the current status of the use of pathogens as a depository for new therapeutics. This forum will be an opportunity for industry to engage with academics for the development of novel strategies for drug discovery. This meeting will bring together cross-disciplinary scientists to exchange and share ideas, and thereby foster collaborations on the generation of new drug strategies for the future.
Suggested reading: Microbiology
April 3 - 8, 2011 Evolving Approaches to Early-Stage Drug Discovery
Snowbird, Utah, USA Further information
This meeting will cover multiple aspects of the challenges and opportunities facing drug discovery scientists. These challenges include: 1) diverse approaches to early stage discovery in a resource constrained environment, 2) evolution of preclinical drug discovery in academia, 3) evolution of drug leads/target validation from the NIH (MLPCN), 4) funding early stage/risky programs, 5) external licensing of programs and 6) advances in biomarkers/imaging to enable target selection and rapid go/no go decisions. The meeting goals are to bring together experts in all of these areas, present findings/opinions and initiate dialog on these topics. This would be the first meeting to bring together drug discovery scientists form big Pharma, biotech, academia, the MLPCN and Foundations,€“ each with unique missions and approaches and share their respective experiences.
Suggested reading: Molecular Biology
April 12 - 17, 2011 B Cells: New Insights into Normal versus Dysregulated Function
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada Further information
B lymphocytes play crucial roles in host defense against infection via a series of highly coordinated processes that include cell homing, antigen recognition, antibody secretion, antigen presentation, and/or cytokine release. To accomplish these myriad functions, B cells must maneuver through a complex series of primary and secondary developmental, homoeostatic, and activation-triggered checkpoints. These checkpoints dictate stochastic and molecularly directed events dependent upon local micro-environments, cell-cell interactions, and interactions with pathogenic or non-pathogenic organisms. Early events in this developmental cascade promote the generation of a diverse B cell antigen receptor repertoire that is essential for both survival and entry into downstream effector populations. In parallel, this repertoire is tested for self-reactivity at multiple steps leading to either loss or expansion of specific clones. Dysregulation of these complex processes can lead, alternatively, to immunodeficiency, autoimmune, or malignant disease. The overall goal of this meeting is to highlight recent studies of normal versus abnormal B cell development and function with an emphasis whenever possible to data using human models.
May 8 - 13, 2011 Omics Meets Cell Biology
Alpbach, Austria Further information
Whole genome sequencing has become widespread and modern biologists currently access exponentially growing lists of genomes from organisms covering all three domains of life. This has fundamentally changed the way scientists address biological questions. A spectacular flourishing of technologies allows for global interrogation of gene activity and function and ever more comprehensive measurement of cellular macromolecules. These Omics approaches are still in full expansion but already increasingly contribute to the editing and annotation of systems-level networks charting physical and functional links between all cellular components. Nevertheless, an important challenge resides in the interpretation and integration of the data within the context of the whole physiology of a cell. We are for example, still learning and developing the bioinformatic tools to store and integrate different types of datasets. Emerging biochemical and chemical approaches contribute chemical tools and affinity reagents to systematically interrogate or perturb macromolecules within a cell. Live-cell imaging and quantitative microscopy have also moved large-scale allowing unprecedented phenotypic analysis. This conference will bring together the leading experts representing Omics technologies, cell biology, chemical-genetics, and bioinformatics to discuss and present these latest developments.
Suggested reading: Genomics
May 15 - 12, 2011 Lipid Biology and Lipotoxicity
Killarney, Ireland Further information
The accumulation of fat in tissues not suited for lipid storage has deleterious consequences on organ function, leading to cellular damage that underlies diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Illustrating the relationship is the fact that numerous effective therapeutics ameliorate metabolic disease symptoms by limiting the inappropriate deposition of fat in peripheral tissues (e.g. thiazolidinediones, metformin, or statins). Recent advances in genomics and lipidomics offer researchers an opportunity to make a substantial leap in the understanding and treatment of pathogenic conditions resulting from the excessive production and/or underutilization of fat. This meeting reviews these areas, placing specific emphasis on the following: (a) relationships between ectopic lipid deposition and metabolic disease; (b) mechanisms through which lipid excess alter tissue function; (c) regulatory processes that control lipid storage and metabolism; and (d) technological advances in the area of lipid analysis (i.e. lipidomics).
May 23 - 28, 2011 Pathogenesis of Influenza: Virus-Host Interactions
Hong Kong, China Further information
The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of influenza remain controversial. The direct cytopathic effects of viral replication, tissue tropism of the virus, viral-bacterial synergy, as well as innate host responses are inextricably linked and play roles to varying degrees in "seasonal," zoonotic and pandemic influenza, examples being the pandemics of 1918 and 2009 and H5N1 avian influenza. Animal models, though indispensible, have significant limitations with regard to physiological relevance to human disease. The current symposium brings together researchers working on the virus, viral receptors and tissue tropism, innate and adaptive immunity, systems biology and clinical aspects of lung injury and host defense, to address questions on the pathogenesis of influenza. The aim will be to integrate data from animal and ex vivo / in vitro human experimental models as well as human disease to understand pathogenesis of influenza and how this may lead to effective interventions. As this symposium will take place in the aftermath of the first pandemic in 40 years, there will be a wealth of new knowledge as well as intense scientific interest in the subject. In view of the particular interest in influenza and other viral respiratory diseases generated in the Asia-Pacific region arising from the avian flu H5N1 and SARS experience, situating the meeting in Hong Kong would be particularly appropriate.
Suggested reading: Influenza: Molecular Virology
June 20 - 25, 2011 Changing Landscape of the Cancer Genome
Boston, Massachusetts, USA Further information
Large scale cancer-genomics across the globe are capturing increasingly detailed views of the cancer genomes. These data have the potential to transform every aspect of cancer research. The challenges now are to decipher what the genomic landscape is teaching us about the initiation, progression and clinical behavior of a tumor. The goals of this meeting are (1) to bring together the data producers and analysts to share their latest findings, both technical and biological, from large-scale cancer genomic projects and address the challenges in analyses of these complex cancer genomic data; (2) to highlight how these genomic data are enabling a system/network-view of the genome and how the patterns of mutations are teaching new insight into underlying etiologies; and (3) to explore how cancer genomics can impact on drug discovery and development.
Suggested reading: Genomics (Epigenetics, Chapter 13) The Role of MicroRNAs in Human Cancer