2002 Tetrapyrroles Gordon Conference; July 14 -19, 2002, Newport, Rhode Island

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

This application requests support for the 19 th Gordon Research Conference on the Chemistry and Biology of Tetrapyrroles, to be held at Salve Regina University, Newport, RI, from July 14-19, 2002. The specific aims of this conference are the following: 1) To provide a forum for discussion of recent unpublished data by scientists with common interest in the study of the chemistry and biology of tetrapyrrole compounds. 2) To promote the exchange of ideas between established and new investigators from a wide variety of scientific disciplines (e.g., chemists, biochemists, clinicians, plant biologists, microbiologists, biotechnologists) by providing ample discussion time following formal presentations, by holding poster sessions which serve as a focus for the discussion of common interests. This biennial interdisciplinary conference has stimulated collaborations between basic biologists, chemists and clinicians interested in tetrapyrroles for more than three decades. In association with proteins, tetrapyrroles serve diverse roles as biological redox catalysts, in the harvesting of light energy, in the activation and delivery of oxygen, and as signaling molecules. Free tetrapyrroles are also essential nutrients (e.g., vitamin B12), serve as regulators of gene expression (e.g., hemes), and are being utilized as therapeutic agents (e.g., photodynamic cancer therapy, target delivery of radionuclides). Owing to their photodynamic activity, toxicity and lipophilicity, the accumulation of tetrapyrroles (e.g., porphyrins, bilirubin) is associated with numerous pathologies of the skin, liver and brain. For these reasons, this conference represents an important venue for exchange between basic and applied researchers on tetrapyrroles and for refinement of new tools and therapies for development by the biomedical industry. Funds requested in this application are targeted to support 10 young investigators who have not previously had the opportunity to attend this conference and for travel of two young ioprimarily undergraduate institutionle researchers. The sessions, which highlight recent technological progress, will include 22 invited speakers, a plenary lecturer and 14 discussion leaders. All of these individuals have been selected for their scientific excellence, recent innovative work and contribution to the breadth of the program. The remaining 100 conferees will be chosen to ensure a broad representation of women, ethnicity and young scientists from various disciplines in academia, medical research institutions and industry. Strengths of this ongoing Gordon conference are its high disciplinary diversity, integration of research from basic chemistry through practical and clinical applications, focus on new unpublished work, time for discussion, informal atmosphere, and ban on dissemination of conference proceedings, (which it is essential to assure confidentiality when discussing unpublished results).