International Gap Junction Conference 2009

描述（由申请人提供）： 人体内几乎所有的细胞都形成缝隙连接。这些结构是连接并置细胞的膜通道，并提供小分子在细胞之间的直接运动。这种形式的细胞通讯在多种生物过程中是至关重要的，例如，同步心脏内心肌细胞的跳动。我们最近了解到，超过20种人类疾病与缝隙连接中发现的通道蛋白突变有关，缝隙连接是“连接蛋白”家族的成员。随着该领域的迅速发展，研究人员发现，经常性的科学会议是交流思想和技术的特别有价值的论坛，为科学发现铺平了道路。本申请要求为2009年国际间隙连接会议提供资金，该会议将于7月25日至30日在亚利桑那州塞多纳举行。本次会议是一系列独特的双年度跨学科会议中的第12次，重点是间隙连接及其相关的沟通机制。本次会议的总体目标是更好地了解正常和疾病状态下的连接蛋白和间隙连接，并为促进富有成效的合作和吸引年轻的研究人员，特别是妇女，少数民族和残疾人，提供一个持续的论坛。 (End摘要）

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Virtually all cells in the human body form gap junctions. These structures are membrane channels that connect apposing cells and provide for the direct movement of small molecules between cells. This form of cell communication is critical in a wide variety of biological processes, e.g., in synchronizing the beating of myocardial cells within the heart. We have recently learned that more than 20 human diseases are linked to mutations in the channel proteins found in gap junctions, members of the "connexin" family. With the rapid developments in the field, investigators have found recurring scientific meetings to be especially valuable forums for the exchange of ideas and techniques that pave the way for scientific discovery. This application requests funds for the 2009 International Gap Junction Conference, to be held in Sedona, Arizona July 25-30. This meeting represents the 12th in a unique series of biennial interdisciplinary meetings focused on gap junctions and the communication mechanisms associated with them. The overall goals of this meeting are to achieve a better understanding of connexins and gap junctions in both normal and diseased states, as well as to provide a continuing forum for the fostering productive collaborations and attracting young investigators, particularly, women, minorities and disabled individuals, to the field. (End of Abstract)