Signalling Scissors in Development and Disease

Metalloproteinases have emerged as critical posttranslational regulators of diverse cellular functions, mediated by their ability to act on a variety of substrate proteins. These include secreted molecules, such a chemokines and growth factors, matrix molecules such as laminins and collagens, and membrane anchored proteins, such as TNFα, TGFα, RANK-ligand and Notch. The consequences of metalloproteinase catalysis are broad, resulting in activation or inactivation of their substrate proteins, or modulation of the substrate’s functional properties or range of action. So it is not surprising that metalloproteinases function as key molecules in development, repair, and in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The wide range of metalloproteinase functions has attracted the attention of a vibrant and interactive group of scientists from diverse fields, whose major goals are to unveil the structural basis of metalloproteinase activity and inhibition, define their functions and substrate profile in physiological and pathological conditions and develop novel approaches to control unregulated proteolysis in disease.

The MMP Gordon Research Conference provides an outstanding international forum for interactions and exchange of ideas between metalloproteinase researchers from all corners of the world. The 2009 MMP GRC will be held in the spectacular surroundings of the Swiss Alps in Le Diablerets, and will address the structural, biochemical, and cell biological properties of metalloproteinases, their contributions to development and disease, and recent efforts to develop pharmacological inhibitors. In a departure from the organization of earlier MMP Gordon Conferences, sessions will not be centered on specific metalloproteinase subfamilies, such as MMPs, ADAMs or ADAMTSs, but instead, will integrate talks on various metalloproteinases functioning in different steps of a common process. The goal of the meeting is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting and breakthrough findings and novel efforts at the cutting edge of current metalloproteinase research in different fields. The conference will have an emphasis on unpublished data and will provide ample opportunities for discussions of ideas and concepts. We hope that the conference will appeal to those interested in all classes of metalloproteinases. We specifically encourage the participation of investigators who are new to the field, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2009 MMP Gordon Conference in Switzerland.

Rafi Fridman (Co-chair)
Carl P. Blobel (Chair)