Announcement: First International Conference on Metals and the Brain

Despite the importance of metal ions in several biological processes, there has been, until recently, little molecular information available on their active role in the brain. The molecular mechanisms of metal transporters, for instance, is of great importance in that an increasing number of human diseases are thought to be related to disturbances in metal ion homeostasis (overload or deficiency) (e.g. Menkes and Wilson's disease, hepatic encephalopathy, uremia etc.) and in some neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, immunodeficiencies and others). The aim of this conference is to establish the state of art in this important field sharing scientific knowledges and professional experiences in a strongly interdisciplinary atmosphere together with the opportunity of creating collaborative networks between clinical sciences and basic research. Padova is an old historical city, located 25 km from Venice, with a prestigious University established since 1222, where eminent scientists like Galileo Galilei, Marcello Malpighi, William Harvey, just to mention a few, built scientific milestones, and where you can still admire the first anatomic theatre and the oldest Botanical Garden. Scientific Program Aging, metal ions accumulation and oxidative stress Brain markers Chemistry (speciation and analytical procedures) Experimental models Metallothionein isoforms in human and experimental neuropathology Neurochemistry and Enzymology Neurotoxicology Neurodegenerative processes Hepatic Encephalopathy Neuropharmacology Environmental risks Occupational Medicine Metal ions deficiency in malnutrition and brain development Uremia and metal ions dismetabolism If you plan or wish to attend the conference, in order to be in the mailing list for the second and final circular, send IMMEDIATELY the participation format that you will find, together with further details,