NOX as Center of Redox Communication in Health and Disease

The evolution of aerobic life is fundamentally associated with continued production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the reduced or excited forms of atmospheric molecular oxygen. The initial concept of ROS as detrimental triggers of oxidative stress and tissue injury has been replaced by a more nuanced view of beneficial versus damaging effects. Today, we view ROS as essential second messengers in redox-dependent signaling cascades, controlling almost all normal physiological functions of cells. This scenario explains why tight, spatiotemporal regulation of ROS levels is so important for homeostasis. NADPH oxidases (NOX/DUOX) are the most prominent enzyme family with the primary function of highly regulated production of ROS. Due to their intricate regulatory features and widespread expression, NOX/DUOX enzymes are involved in many diverse aspects of cell biology (ranging from differentiation to proliferation, cell motility, and protein secretion) and in broad physiological functions, ranging from host defense to hormone biosynthesis, blood pressure regulation and brain functions. Loss-of-function NOX/DUOX variants as well as dysregulated expression and activation of NOX isoforms are increasingly linked to disease (e.g. cancer, fibrosis, metabolic disease, infection, inflammation).

This interdisciplinary conference is in its 7th cycle, alternating between the USA and Europe. The goal of this conference is disseminating the latest developments in NOX/DUOX regulation, involvement in redox signaling pathways, biological functions, disease pathogenesis, and advances in structure elucidation and development of therapeutics. Special sessions provide fundamental knowledge in methodology, integration of related ROS sources and computational approaches. Bringing together investigators from basic science and clinical research disciplines, this conference is expected to stimulate cross-disciplinary interactions, collaborations and scientific progress.

The NADPH oxidase GRC will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) (May 26-27, 2018), which will provide informal interaction, discussions, presentations and mentorship for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in NOX/DUOX and related research themes.