Introduction

Invitation

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is a pleasure to invite you to the FEBS Advanced Lecture Course on Matrix Pathobiology, Signaling and Molecular Targets, FEBS-MPST2007.

Introduction

Matrix-mediated regulation of the various cell functions has been demonstrated during the last years from the structural biochemical and molecular cell biology studies in various in vitro and in vivo models. Mutations and structural alterations of matrix molecules are closely related to the development of common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer including metastasis and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system as well as more rare conditions, often including hereditary components. In order to understand disease initiation and development it is, of great importance to address issues related with matrix assembly, matrix-mediated signaling, growth factors, proteoglycans, collagens and metalloproteinases that affect the cell behavior.
The FEBS-MPST2007 includes topics that cover key areas in the maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis as well as alterations in disease, such as assembly of matrix molecules structures, signaling elicited by interactions between matrix components and cell surface receptors such as integrins, proteoglycans and hyaluronan–receptors as well as signals initiated by growth factors. Furthermore, special attention will be given to ongoing development of rapid and sensitive methods for the separation, identification and structure analysis of glycosylated macromolecules, i.e. identification of glycosaminoglycan type in proteoglycans, glycan compositional analysis, domain mapping, molecular size and study of interactions with matrix effectors.
This FEBS course will provide important new knowledge to participants in the form of:
1. Participants will learn and understand the structure as well as the functional and therapeutical importance of matrix macromolecules, mainly from the general lectures (tutorials) to be held.
2. Participants will learn how matrix macromolecules participate and affect cell signaling and behavior as well as how these molecules may contribute to disease development and progress.
3. Participants will further learn the theoretical aspects and practical considerations and become familiar with various methodological challenges used for expression and determination of glycosylated macromolecules (capillary electrophoresis, microchips, FACE, HPLC, solid phase assays and microarrays).
An important goal of this course is to bring together scientists from biochemistry, life sciences and molecular cell biology on an important and rapidly developing scientific field. The benefits of the course will provide participants with a new understanding of new technology for unraveling molecular structure and function as well as how this can be used to study alterations in tissue in disease. The participants will gain information that can be applied in their academic environment and research institutes.

Many leading experts will participate as lecturers/tutors and we are confident that FEBS-MPST2007 will be an outstanding lecture course with an exquisite scientific program.

The Federation of European Biochemical Societies, FEBS, is the main sponsor of this exciting event.

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Patras, Greece.