Integrated Approaches to Understanding the Role of Multi-Drug Efflux Systems in Health and Disease

Cancer is the second-highest cause of mortality in the developed world, while infectious diseases are the second-highest cause of death in the developing world. In individuals affected by cancer and infectious diseases, development of resistance to drugs is a serious problem and drug efflux transporters are known to contribute significantly to this phenomenon. Multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters are present ubiquitously throughout nature, from bacteria to humans. This widespread distribution and the promiscuous nature of MDR efflux pumps has been taken into consideration when preparing the program and selecting presenters. We will focus on recent developments in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of polyspecificity and transport based on biochemical, genomic, pharmacological and structural studies. Many other aspects such as cellular mechanisms that regulate the activity and/or expression of MDR transporters, the physiological functions of MDR transporters in various organisms and their pathophysiological functions in humans will also be presented by leading researchers from academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies from all over the world. In addition, novel strategies for the development of potent antibacterials and modulators will be covered. Various preclinical and clinical strategies to improve clinical outcomes will be discussed. Special emphasis will be given to the use of "omics" and "meta" systemic approaches to study membrane transporters as well as the impact of the microbiome in health and disease. This powerful combination of topics will facilitate greater understanding and collaboration between researchers investigating these topics. It is expected that the broad range of topics combined with informal scientific interactions at the conference will result in an exchange of information in a relaxed environment, and application of many new ideas and approaches to the complex problem of drug resistance in both microbes and humans. Preceding this conference, there will be a Gordon Research Seminar for young scientists, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students.