Post Translational Modifications: Detection and Physiological Role

The 2014 symposium "Post Translational Modifications: Detection and Physiological Role" will begin on Thursday, October 16 and conclude on Sunday, October 19. Essentially all proteins undergo chemical alterations, i.e. PTMs. These modifications represent a wide variety of chemical structures; and alter the physical, biological and immunological properties of the proteins modified. Some modifications are transitory, while others represent permanent changes. The former control cellular processes through existing structures; the latter are vectorial in nature and commit the host cell to events, usually long term in nature. There is no single analytical paradigm that provides comprehensive characterization of all PTMs. Usually targeted approaches are required, and the PTM analysis field is constantly evolving and requires a series of methodologies, perhaps the most important of them is mass spectrometry. Cataloguing PTMs per se could be important. Reliable lists of PTMs may lead to biostatistical analyses, computer models, and software development that may predict the modification sites and link the PTMs to some biological functions. Assessing the biological significance of the modifications is the third important area, which involves a variety of experimental designs from chemical modifications to genetic techniques. This abstract-driven meeting will provide ample opportunities to interact and share findings in a relaxed, collegial atmosphere.