New Concepts in Ca Compartments and Cardiac Signaling

The 2010 Cardiac Regulatory Mechanisms Gordon Research Conference is one of the premier meetings for scientists interested in cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the normal and diseased heart. In addition to the traditional role of Ca in excitation/contraction coupling and contractility that formed the original nidus for development of this meeting, there are compelling and exciting roles for Ca in nuclear signaling and transcriptional regulation in cardiomyocytes, the role of Ca in mitochondrial metabolism has been revisited, its role in induction of apoptosis clarified, and the involvement of the ER in sensing stress and signaling through Ca, InsP3 receptors and mitochondria has evolved into an exciting new focus area. These research topics, included in this year’s meeting, will require that old paradigms be revisited and will integrate the more traditional physiological role of Ca in the heart with new aspects relevant to pathophysiology, disease and therapeutics. Cutting edge research in more traditional areas including arrhythmias and pacemaker function, Ca storage and release, and cardiomyocyte signaling are also included. The increased use of genetically modified animals and the development of defined cardiovascular phenotypes has made the cardiovascular system tractable and thus of broad and expanding interest to the cell signaling field. In addition many investigators are beginning to translate new findings into a better understanding of disease mechanisms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The goal of the meeting is to bring together scientists who can critically evaluate developments at both the basic science and translational area. This is accomplished by including established as well as early career research scientists from the fields of physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics and bioengineering, along with physician/scientists with an appreciation for the therapeutic implications of cardiovascular research. Based on past experience, we can guarantee an atmosphere of intense and lively discussions where all participants contribute and learn.