The Polyamines Gordon conference will be held in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire from June 17-? 22, 2007. Polyamines are essential in all cells, and as such the polyamine field is diverse and? encompasses the study of both microorganisms and multicellular eukaryotes. Despite their importance,? we still do not fully understand the cellular function of polyamines, and much biology remains to be? elucidated. Polyamines are closely linked to cell growth, and as such inhibitors of polyamine? biosynthesis are promoted as anti-proliferative agents. Traditionally these inhibitors have been heavily? investigated as anti-cancer agents, however the most successful application of these inhibitors is as? anti-parasitics. Polyamines are highly regulated at the levels of transcription, translation and protein? turnover. Thus the field brings together researches interested in the physiological role of Polyamines in? a wide array of organisms (mammalian cells, yeast, protozoa and bacteria) and researchers interested in? therapeutic applications from Cancer biology, to protozoal and bacterial pathogens. The latter of which? have a unique and significant Global Health impact. The meeting will be composed of a series of either? 30 min or 10 min talks given by meeting participants, followed by extensive discussion. It will also? include poster sessions for student and postdoctoral fellows to present their work. In order to further? encourage the participation of student and postdoctoral scientists in the meeting, the Polyamine GRC? will be held in conjunction with a Gordon-Kenan Graduate/Post-Doc Research Seminar on polyamines.? The GKGRS will be held from June 15-17, also at Waterville Valley, and students/postdocs? participating in the GKGRS will be expected to also attend the regular GRC meeting. Topics for? discussion will include: Polyamine metabolic and catabolic pathways in microorganisms and? eukaryotic cells, regulation of polyamine pathways, systems biology, drug discovery and inhibitor? design.
