2010 Pineal Cell Biology Gordon Research Conference

描述(由申请人提供)：为将于2月7日至12日在德克萨斯州加尔维斯顿的加尔韦斯酒店举行的第11届戈登松果体细胞生物学研究会议申请部分支持。2010年戈登松果体细胞生物学研究会议的主要目标和长期目标是增加我们对松果体的分子和细胞功能的了解，松果体激素褪黑激素的有节奏的合成和释放如何有助于脊椎动物的生理，以及昼夜节律在生理功能和疾病中的重要性。褪黑素具有广泛的功能，从影响人类的睡眠/清醒周期到控制季节性繁殖的哺乳动物的光周期反应，它被广泛用作非处方膳食补充剂。因此，了解松果体及其主要输出荷尔蒙褪黑激素的生理学是很重要的。松果体细胞生物学的研究与昼夜节律的研究密不可分。因此，本次会议的目的是探索与褪黑素和褪黑素作用交界处的昼夜节律，包括睡眠和昼夜节律、新陈代谢、生殖、视网膜功能和肿瘤生长的调节。戈登松果体细胞生物学会议的具体目标是：1)提供一个论坛，交流松果体细胞生物学、褪黑素作用和昼夜节律领域的最新进展，从而确定未来研究的关键机会；2)促进研究不同物种的研究人员之间的互动，并使用广泛的实验和技术方法，以促进对跨学科和协作研究潜力的了解；3)通过将来自许多不同研究小组和国家的科学家聚集在一起，并在不同的培训水平上促进合作，以及4)通过将研究松果体和昼夜节律的人类对象的研究人员与研究其他物种的研究人员聚集在一起，促进翻译研究。会议将通过提供一个介绍最新进展的论坛来实现这些目标。这次会议将汇集来自世界各地领先的学术、工业和政府实验室的约130名科学家，讨论当前的研究方向和主题，预计将进行激动人心的激烈讨论，导致松果体细胞生物学和相关主题中出现的见解和一般原则。戈登会议的形式包括上午和晚上的讲座，有充足的讨论时间。海报会议将允许更多的参与者展示数据并接收反馈。已确认的特邀参与者(列在暂定计划中)包括使用各种方法的专家，来自不同学科的专家，包括神经科学(视网膜生物学、神经退行性疾病和睡眠医学)、发育生物学、遗传学、新陈代谢和肿瘤学。通过召集这样一个跨学科专家组，会议将确定今后研究褪黑激素和昼夜节律对人类健康和疾病的影响的关键领域。 公共卫生相关性：松果体激素褪黑素影响昼夜节律组织、睡眠/清醒周期、视网膜功能、新陈代谢和肿瘤生长。会议的目标是聚集顶尖科学家讨论该领域的新发展，提高各学科之间的互动和交流水平，从而促进合作和转化性研究。会议将通过促进对褪黑素和昼夜节律的贡献(以及操纵它们的治疗潜力)在睡眠/觉醒调节以及神经退行性、内分泌和代谢障碍等领域的理解，具有健康相关性。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Partial support is requested for the 11th Gordon Research Conference on Pineal Cell Biology to be held February 7-12 at Hotel Galvez in Galveston, Texas. The major objectives and long-term goals of the 2010 Gordon Research Conference on Pineal Cell Biology are to increase our understanding of the molecular and cellular function of the pineal gland, of how the rhythmic synthesis and release of the pineal hormone melatonin contributes to vertebrate physiology, and the importance of circadian rhythms in physiological functions and disease. Melatonin has a wide range of functions, ranging from effects on the sleep/wake cycle in humans to the control of photoperiodic responses in seasonally breeding mammals, and it is widely used as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. Thus, it is important that the physiology of the pineal gland and its principal output hormone, melatonin, be understood. The study of the pineal cell biology is inextricably linked to the study of circadian rhythms. An objective of this meeting is thus to explore aspects of circadian rhythms that are at the interface with melatonin and melatonin action, including regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms, metabolism, reproduction, retinal function and tumor growth. The specific aims of the Gordon Conference on Pineal Cell Biology are: 1) To provide a forum for communication of recent advances in the areas of Pineal Cell Biology, melatonin action, and circadian rhythms, leading to identification of key opportunities for future study, 2) To stimulate interaction among researchers studying different species and using a wide range of experimental and technical approaches, so as to promote understanding of the potential for interdisciplinary and collaborative research, 3) To promote collaboration by bringing together scientists from many different research groups and countries, and at different levels of training, and 4) To promote translational research by bringing together investigators studying human subjects in pineal and circadian research with those investigating other species. The Conference will achieve these aims by providing a forum for presentation of the latest advances. The Conference will bring together a diverse group of approximately 130 scientists from leading academic, industrial and government laboratories around the world to discuss current research directions and themes, and is expected to provide stimulating and intense discussion leading to insights and general principles emerging in pineal cell biology and related topics. The Gordon Conference format consists of lecture sessions in the morning and evening, with ample time for discussion. Poster sessions will allow additional participants to present data and receive feedback. The confirmed Invited Participants (listed in the Tentative Program) include experts using a broad variety of approaches, and from diverse disciplines, include neuroscience, (retinal biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and sleep medicine), developmental biology, genetics, metabolism, and oncology. Through convening such an interdisciplinary group of experts, the Conference will identify key areas for future research into the impact of melatonin and circadian rhythms on human health and disease. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The pineal hormone, melatonin, influences circadian organization, sleep/wake cycles, retinal function, metabolism and tumor growth. The Conference objective is to bring together leading scientists to discuss new developments in the field, to increase the level of interaction and cross-fertilization between disciplines and thus promote collaboration and translational research. The meeting will have health relevance through promoting an understanding of the contribution of melatonin and circadian rhythms, (and the therapeutic potential of manipulating them) in areas including sleep/wake regulation, and neurodegenerative, endocrine and metabolic disorders.