APS sponsors 7th International Symposium on Aldosterone and the ENaC/Degenerin Family of Ion Channels

The American Physiological Society (APS) is sponsoring the 7th International Symposium on Aldosterone and the ENaC/Degenerin Family of Ion Channels, being held September 18-22 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, Calif. This scientific conference explores the connection between fluid balance in the body and hypertension, a growing global health concern.

The five-day program kicks off Sunday, September 18 with the keynote lecture by Richard Lifton, Yale University School of Medicine, entitled "Aldosterone and Hereditary Hypertension." Dr. Lifton is the Sterling Professor of Genetics and Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) and Chair, Department of Genetics, Yale University. He is also known for his groundbreaking work in identifying genes associated with blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and bone density.

Additional conference highlights include:

Symposia I: Structure and Function of ENaC and Related Transporters

Speakers will cover the structure, function, regulation, and molecular organization of ENaC and other transporters. Experts will discuss how aldosterone affects ENaC and the physiological importance of ENaC regulation.

Symposia II: Structure and Function of Mineralocorticoid and Glucocorticoid Receptors

Invited researchers will explain the role these receptors play in fluid balance, how these receptors function in different body tissues, and how these receptors are regulated.

Symposia III: Regulation of ENaC Biogenesis, Trafficking and Gating

Speakers will delve into ENaC regulation, and its interaction with and regulation by other elements.

Symposia IV: Aldosterone: Synthesis Crosstalk and Non-epithelial Actions

Researchers will make presentations on aldosterone, including the role of nitric oxide and caveolin in the vascular actions of aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor in vivo.

The Plenary Lecture will be delivered by Toshiro Fujita, University of Tokyo, Japan. It is entitled, "Role of Aldosterone and Mineral corticoid Receptor in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome."

Symposia V: Remembering J.D. Horisberger and D.J. Benos

Speakers will pay tribute to two scientists whose work had a tremendous impact on the scientific community's understanding of ion and sodium channels.

Symposia VI: Congestive Heart Failure - The Intertwined Roles of Water and Salt

Experts will explain the effects of aldosterone on the heart in congestive heart failure, and the role of ADH in water and volume abnormalities in congestive heart failure.

The Plenary Lecture will be delivered by Michael Welsh, University of Iowa and Howard Hughes Medical Institute. It is entitled, "ASIC Structure and Function."

Symposia VII: ENaC Pathophysiology

Researchers will cover the evolution of ENaC and the role it plays in vascular disease, kidney disease, and cystic fibrosis.

Symposia VIII: Aldosterone Pathophysiology

Speakers will discuss aldosterone and its relation to illnesses such as mineralocorticoid receptor mutations in human disease, and end-organ damage in primary aldosteronism.

Source: American Physiological Society