July 10-13, 2013
Sponsor/Co-Sponsor(s)
Stratakis Lab: Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Division of Intramural Research (DIR), NICHD; Hospital Cochin, Paris, France; University of Milan, Italy
Location
Amphitéatre J P Luton, Faculté Cochin, Paris, France
Purpose
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are molecules with a wide developmental and tissue presence that have the unique function of terminating cyclic nucleotide signaling by binding to cylic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). PDEs have thus been exploited pharmacologically for more than half a century now; some of the most successful drugs in the United States and worldwide market today affect PDE function.
Scientists recently identified mutations in PDE genes in human genetic diseases. It was also recently noted that PDEs were found to have a potential role in predisposition to tumors and/or cancer. In addition, mutations of PDEs in mice point to the wide developmental effects of PDEs from heart function to reproduction.
This workshop brings together experts from a variety of disciplines (i.e., endocrinology, pharmacology and biochemistry, dietary medicine, reproduction science, cancer, and others) with the aim of:
- Refocusing research on PDEs into a more translational, bench-to-bedside manner
- Identifying genetic components of the activity of these enzymes that may affect disease susceptibility in many systems
- Identifying pharmacological and/or dietary supplement compounds that may enhance or inhibit PDE activity in ways or in tissues that were not known hitherto to be affected
Meeting participants, who will attend by invitation only, will include physicians, scientists, researchers, geneticists, pharmacogenomics experts, oncologists, and related professionals with interests in cAMP and cGMP signaling and the pharmacological exploitation of this pathway or its effects in human disease.
Contact
Dr. Constantine Stratakis, SENGEN, PDEGEN, DIR, NICHD
Phone: (301) 594-5984
Email: stratakc@mail.nih.gov