A Molecular Exploration of Cyclic-Nucleotide Action

The cyclic-nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are intracellular chemical signals that control most aspects of cellular behavior. These so-called "second messenger" responsive pathways have long been considered therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardiovascular and inflammatory airway diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. The 2012 Gordon Conference on Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases will convene in Il Ciocco Italy from May 20-25, 2012. This 8th meeting in the series will provide a forum for investigators from academia and industry to present cutting-edge research and ponder the latest concepts in molecular and cellular cyclic nucleotide metabolism and cell signaling. The opening session of the meeting will set the scene with lectures from three renowned experts in cyclic nucleotide signaling. Pharmacological intervention of second messenger responses as therapies for a variety of pathophysiological disorders will be a featured topic of discussion. The scientific program will also feature a range of lectures that explore the structural biology of phosphodiesterases, the spatial organization of cAMP/cGMP effector molecules, genetic manipulation of phosphodiesterases and the pathophysiolgical implications of defective cyclic nucleotide signaling. The keynote lecture will be delivered by Dr. Johannes L. Bos on the interface of cAMP and cancer signaling pathways. The organizers encourage junior scientists and graduate students to attend. Delegates should submit an abstract of their research for poster presentation and selected individuals will be invited to give short talks on emerging aspects of cyclic nucleotide research. The collegial atmosphere of this conference, with discussion sessions and informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, creates an optimal environment for scientists from different disciplines to interact.