Channeling Calcium Signals to Therapeutics

Calcium signaling is an evolutionarily conserved essential system for cellular homeostasis in organisms ranging from primitive eukaryotic organisms to humans. Ca²⁺ is a remarkably versatile and ubiquitous second messenger utilized by every cell in the body. The range of fundamental physiological processes controlled by Ca²⁺ is vast and extends from protein modification, fertilization, fluid and protein secretion, immune cell activation, muscle contraction, neurotransmission and cell death. Moreover, changes in [Ca²⁺] provide key regulatory input into processes such as gene expression, metabolism and cell fate decisions through modulation of autophagy and apoptosis. Notably, aberrant Ca²⁺ signaling is increasingly recognized as a central pathological mechanism in disorders afflicting millions of people, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, allergy, arthritis, pancreatitis, hypertension and cardiac abnormalities, as well as relatively rare genetic disorders such as severe cerebellar ataxias, combined immunodeficiency, Stormorken Syndrome, polycystic kidney disease and Darier’s disease, among others. Furthermore, alterations in the function and expression levels of Ca²⁺-regulating proteins, such as cytoplasmic Ca²⁺-binding proteins, Ca²⁺ release channels, Ca²⁺ pumps and Ca²⁺ influx channels, are identified in pathological states. The wide range of processes and mechanisms controlled by Ca²⁺, in health and disease, is reflected by the diversity in scientific background of the researchers working in this field. The goal of this conference is to further our understanding of the central role Ca²⁺ signaling has in biological processes and promote novel and differing approaches/insight to cooperatively solve complex scientific questions.