This ULCA symposium will address polyamines in cell proliferation and differentiation. Appropriate cellular levels of polyamines are essential for proliferation and differentiation. Cloning of genes for enzymes of the polyamine biosynthetic pathway has provided new experimental approaches to probe for the biological functions of these molecules at the molecular level. The rational application of polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors in treatment of cancer and parasitic diseases is completing the circuit from basic understanding of disease therapy. New forefronts in the field include detailed molecular mechanisms of polyamine interactions with nucleic acids and membranes and their biological significance; linkages between transmembrane signals generated by growth factors and hormones and the various modes of regulation of polyamine biosynthesis; and development of tools to determine subcellular localization of polyamines. The meeting will review the current state of selected areas and bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds to reflect on problems at the forefront of the field.
