Abstract

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a super-family of enzymes that play a major role in cell signaling by hydrolyzing two cyclic nucleotide second messengers, cAMP and cGMP. The central role of PDEs in regulating cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways has placed this class of enzymes in the spotlight as therapeutic targets for a number of diseases. The 2020 Gordon Conference on Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases will present the latest cutting-edge research on a wide range of topics related to the role of cyclic nucleotide signaling in various cellular processes as well as the pathophysiology of a number of conditions, including heart failure, hypertension, ischemic disease, metabolic disorders, CNS disorders, cancer, immune and inflammatory disorders. Specific cyclic nucleotide signaling mechanisms and their importance in cell biological, physiological and pathophysiological processes will be highlighted. The conference will also highlight advances in technologies such as new mass spectrometric methods, imaging, structural biology, and systems biology that changed how these pathways and their dynamics are examined. In addition, next to catalytic inhibition or activation, novel avenues to therapeutically target PDE function will be discussed, including protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications. The conference will bring together both seasoned investigators and emerging new leaders who are at the forefront of their field. Opportunities are also provided for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in short talks and posters and exchange ideas with leaders in the field, across academia, pharma and biotech. A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will be held in conjunction with this Conference. This will be a unique opportunity for younger scientists to meet and discuss their work and to build collaborative networks that will be the ground for developing cutting edge research in the PDE field in the future.