About the Workshop
Until the late 1980s, sphingolipids were believed to represent structural components of the plasma membrane, whose function was to provide a protective barrier to the cell. Sphingolipids are now recognized signals for fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation, survival, cell death, adhesion, migration, angiogenesis, and embryogenesis.
The explosion of knowledge regarding sphingolipids was facilitated by biochemical studies of their signaling properties (in particular, ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate), the cloning of enzymes of sphingolipid metabolism, development of genetic models for determining their physiologic roles, and the establishment of biochemical, biophysical, and optical methods for their detection and quantitation.
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The next step in the evolution of sphingolipids will be the transfer of basic insights into the biochemistry and cell biology of human disease. The recent success of the sphingolipid drug, Fingolimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate agonist, which rapidly became first line therapy for multiple sclerosis, exemplifies the potential of targeting sphingolipids for treatment of human disorders.
The aim of this EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE WORKSHOP on SPHINGOLIPIDS is to serve as a forum where basic researchers in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry define the next stage of pre-clinical and clinical development of this fascinating class of lipids named for the secrets of the Sphinx.
The aim of the meeting series will be to bring together basic scientists, pharmacologists and clinicians to define the role of sphingolipids in human diseases and to develop novel treatments. The meeting series will be instrumental in translating basic science knowledge about cellular regulation and functions of sphingolipids into novel therapeutic strategies and regimens. In this regard, the meeting series will focus on the role of sphingolipids in infectious diseases, malignant tumors, neurobiology and neuro-psychiatric disorders, cardio-reno-vascular disorders, development and regeneration, skin diseases, immunity and auto-iimmune disorders.
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