4th European conference on tetraspanins 2010

The European Conference on Tetraspanins aims to give young European scientists the opportunity to present their data and to interact informally with the world leaders in tetraspanin research from Europe and beyond.

Tetraspanin proteins are emerging as important organisers of cell membranes through their capacity to self-associate to form microdomains into which certain integrins, immunoglobulin superfamily proteins, proteases and signalling molecules are recruited and regulated (Charrin et al, 2009, Biochem J). Recently-identified human disease mutations and gene-knockout studies have demonstrated key roles for tetraspanins in organisms as diverse as mammals, plants and fungi. However, tetraspanins have received particular attention because of their roles in cancer, vascular biology, immunology and infection, including hepatitis C virus entry and HIV infection.

There will be five sessions, spanning one day and two half days, covering:

1. Tetraspanins in cancer

2. Tetraspanin regulation of pathogen infection

3. Tetraspanins in the immune system

4. Tetraspanins and vascular disease

5. Tetraspanins in lower organisms

Plenary speakers include:

Leonie Ashman (University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia)

Martin Hemler (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA)

Eric Rubinstein (Inserm U602, Villejuif, France)

Markus Thali (University of Vermont, USA)

Mark Wright (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)