Nuclear Receptors: Development, Physiology and Disease (X8) 2010

Nuclear receptors represent a family of ligand-regulated transcription factors that play central roles in development, physiology, and metabolism. Upon binding small lipophilic hormones and metabolites, such as steroids, fatty acids, and bile acids, nuclear receptors switch their regulatory status, reprogramming gene expression in target tissues. Current research is aimed at defining roles for these receptors in normal development and metabolism as well as better understanding how nuclear receptor dysfunction contributes to diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and neuronal disorders. Nuclear receptors are also a major target for drug development, with many compounds on the market and several in ongoing human trials. This meeting will highlight recent breakthroughs in nuclear receptor research, promote interactions between scientists from industry and academia, and provide opportunities for senior scientists to interact with younger researchers and trainees.