From Molecular Mechanisms to Pharmacological Modulation

All living cells use special membrane transport proteins to keep their interiors free from toxic products of cellular metabolism and a variety of environmental toxins. A single multi-drug resistance (MDR) transporter might handle literally hundreds of structurally diverse compounds. This substrate promiscuity makes MDR transporters a fascinating subject of research. By the same token, however, it renders some of them a serious impediment to human healthcare, since many of their substrates are clinically useful drugs used to fight cancer and various infections caused by fungi, parasites and bacteria. Three previous Gordon Research Conferences on Multi-Drug Efflux Systems firmly established this series of meetings as an open and stimulating forum for scientific exchange in all basic and applied aspects of polyspecific membrane efflux transporters. By bringing together investigators pursuing studies of distinct but evolutionary and mechanistically overlapping efflux systems, the conference facilitates cross-fertilizing ideas and insights in the field which is crucial for our ability to successfully combat both cancer cells and microbial pathogens. Since its inception the conference reinforced its international aspect by alternating between US and European venues. The 4th meeting on Multi-Drug Efflux Systems will be held in the heart of the beautiful Swiss Alps.

The 2011 meeting will focus on recent advances in unraveling molecular mechanisms of transport and multi-drug recognition based on biochemical, genetic and structural studies. Special emphasis will be made on new methods and techniques to study membrane proteins. Many other aspects such as the cellular mechanisms regulating activity of MDR transporters, the physiological functions of MDR transporters in various organisms and their pathophysiological functions in humans will be also covered by leading scientists and representatives of pharmaceutical companies from all over the world. Various strategies of pharmacological modulation of function of MDR transporters to improve the clinical outcomes of chemotherapy will be discussed at large. It is expected that the broad range of topics combined with intense informal scientific interactions in the pleasant setting at Les Diablerets will result in many new ideas and approaches.