Biomedical researchers attend QNRF conference

Leading biomedical researchers based in Qatar, the Mena region, Europe and the Far East met for a conference on ‘Ion Channels and Transporters in Health and Disease’.The conference was organised by Prof Douglas Bovell, professor of physiology and biophysics at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). The event was sponsored by Qatar National Research Fund’s (QNRF) Conference and Workshop Sponsorship Programme.About 16 speakers presented the findings of their projects to their peers on the intricate biological processes that take place at the cellular level to cause conditions such as diabetes, brain disorders, gastrointestinal disease and heart disease. Ion channels are proteins that form semi-permeable gateways across the cell membrane, allowing essential ions to pass in and out as and when they are needed for a variety of processes that keep the cell alive and functioning. These tiny valve-like structures are little known to most people but are absolutely essential for the survival of virtually all life on earth. Understanding more about how these ion channels operate sheds light not only on the basic science of animal and plant cells, but also on the pathological alterations that cause disease, helping researchers develop effective new medications. Professor Bovell welcomed the researchers to the meeting and highlighted Qatar’s desire to develop a knowledge-based economy for the future. Dr Bovell also acknowledged QNRF and Qatar Foundation for their support of WCM-Q’s research activities. Dr Khaled Machaca, associate dean of research at WCM-Q, presented the findings of his laboratory, which focuses on calcium signalling. “The research presented by our international panel of speakers is extremely exciting with many opportunities for learning from and working with one another,” said Dr Machaca.Eminent scientists who spoke at the event included Prof Brian Harvey of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), who presented findings on the gender specific nature of cellular functions, and Prof Hsiao Chan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who spoke about the role of ion channels in insulin release in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.Prof Deborah Baines of St George’s University of London highlighted a relationship between glucose concentrations and bacterial infections in the airways of diabetes sufferers, while Prof Peter McNaughton of Kings College London presented about the role of ion channels in inflammation and pain. Prof Jens Leipziger, of the University of Aarhus in Denmark, presented his group’s findings on ion channels in kidney function.Other leading researchers who presented their findings included Prof Ivana Novak of the University of Copenhagen, Prof Karl Kunzelmann of the University of Regensburg, Prof Sarah Lummis of the University of Cambridge and Dr Raphael Courjaret, research associate at WCM-Q, among others.Professor Bovell said: “We have learned about some excellent research that has contributed a great deal of very exciting new knowledge relating to ion channels and the role they play in a variety of debilitating diseases. We now look forward to building on the positive working relationships we have established with other institutions in order to pursue opportunities for collaborative research in the future.”