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

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This application requests support for the 19 th Gordon Research Conference on theChemistry 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 The specific aims of this conference are thefollowing:1) To provide a forum for discussion of recent unpublished data by scientists withcommon interest in the study of the chemistry and biology of tetrapyrrole compounds.2) To promote the exchange of ideas between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 awide variety of scientific disciplines (e.g., chemists, biochemists, clinicians, plantbiologists, microbiologists, biotechnologists) by providing ample discussion timefollowing formal presentations, by holding poster sessions which serve as a focus forthe discussion of common interests.This biennial interdisciplinary conference has stimulated collaborations between basicbiologists, chemists and clinicians interested in tetrapyrroles for more than threedecades. In association with proteins, tetrapyrroles serve diverse roles as biologicalredox catalysts, in the harvesting of light energy, in the activation and delivery ofoxygen, 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 beingutilized as therapeutic agents (e.g., photodynamic cancer therapy, target delivery ofradionuclides). Owing to their photodynamic activity, toxicity and lipophilicity, theaccumulation of tetrapyrroles (e.g., porphyrins, bilirubin) is associated with numerouspathologies of the skin, liver and brain. For these reasons, this conference representsan important venue for exchange between basic and applied researchers ontetrapyrroles and for refinement of new tools and therapies for development by thebiomedical industry. Funds requested in this application are targeted to support 10young investigators who have not previously had the opportunity to attend thisconference and for travel of two young ioprimarily undergraduate institutionleresearchers. The sessions, which highlight recent technological progress, will include22 invited speakers, a plenary lecturer and 14 discussion leaders. All of theseindividuals have been selected for their scientific excellence, recent innovative workand contribution to the breadth of the program. The remaining 100 conferees will bechosen to ensure a broad representation of women, ethnicity and young scientists fromvarious disciplines in academia, medical research institutions and industry. Strengthsof this ongoing Gordon conference are its high disciplinary diversity, integration ofresearch from basic chemistry through practical and clinical applications, focus onnew unpublished work, time for discussion, informal atmosphere, and ban ondissemination of conference proceedings, (which it is essential to assureconfidentiality when discussing unpublished results).