Nuclear Receptors regulate many developmental and physiological process in vertebrates by acting as ligand-dependent transcription factors. In addition a number of developmental pathways in invertebrates have been found to be regulated by member of the family. The cloning of many members of this receptor gene superfamily has facilitated rapid expansion of research in this field. New developments in expression and purification of recombinant forms of these ligand dependent transcription factors have led to the first analysis of the crystal structure of members of this receptor gene family. The discovery of heterodimersation in both vertebrates and invertebrates and the central role played by these receptors in development is of fundamental importance in biology. A major problem facing the field to day is to bring together rapidly emerging information of the physical structure of Steroid/Thyroid/Retinoic acid receptors with recent developments and new insights on combinatorial regulation of gene expression, receptor regulation and receptor genetics. The goal of this conference is to bring together world leaders and young investigators in the field of Steroid/Thyroid/Retinoid receptors to share the newest information in this rapidly developing field. We will build upon and improve a highly successful and scientifically intense Keystone Conference on Steroid/Thyroid receptors held in 1992. Special emphasis will be placed on the inclusion, participation and support of new investigators who have made recent contributions to the field.
