A NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Molecular Mechanisms of Transcellular Signaling: from the Membrane to the Gene" was held on the Island of Spetsai, Greece, from August 15- 27, 1994. The aim of this Institute was to bring together researchers in the field of signal transduction mechanisms, transcription factors and gene regulation with those actively involved in studies on the implications of oxygen radicals and antioxidant defence mechanisms for cell function. As diverse as these fields may be, the emergence of their interconnection during the course of the Institute was an eye-opener for students and lecturers alike. 2 Presentations and discussions focussed on the role of Ca +, G-proteins, protein kinase C and phospholipases in signaling mechanisms. These broad principles were extended to transcription factors and gene regulation with an emphasis on the steroid hormone receptor superfamily and NFKB. Basic principles of free radical formation and antioxidant action (vitamin E and C) were presented and discussed in connection with effects on signaling pathways. This book present the content of the major lectures and a selection of the most relevant posters. These proceedings offer a comprehensive account of the most important topics discussed at the Institute. The book is intended to make the proceedings accessible to a large audience.

Providing a survey on current research in eukaryotic signal transduction, some of the topics covered are, the biochemistry and biophysics of cell surface receptors, G-protein mediated signalling pathways, regulation of cyclic AMP, Ca2+, inositol phosphate pathways, the structure and regulation of receptors which are tyrosine protein kinases, and cellular responses to integrated signals.

A NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Molecular Mechanisms of Signalling and Targeting" was held on the Island of Spetsai, Greece, from August 1 &--30, 1996. As a continuation of a successful tradition that began in 1978, the aim of this tenth institute was to focus on some main principles of signal transduction mechanisms, with an emphasis on GTP-binding proteins, lipid signalling mechanisms, transcription factors, and membrane transporters. By bringing experts on these diverse topics together and into contact with an outstanding group of young and eager researchers, this Institute succeeded in generating an atmosphere of learning and of intellectual creativity. Students and lecturers returned for home with a deeper understanding of the challenging problems we are facing in this field. Presentations and discussion focussed on the structure and function of heterotrimeric G proteins and their receptors as potential targets for therapeutic drugs. This field was put into perspective by in-depth discussions on the function of the small GTP-binding proteins, Ras, 2 Rho, Rab, Arf in signal transduction and morphogenesis. Growth factor receptor, Ca + and protein kinase C signal transduction pathways were discussed as leading principles in intracellular and intercellular communication. At the core of the Institute were the wide implications of the regulation of phosphoinositide 30H-kinases (e. g. PI-3-kinase) and phospholipases C and D for cell function and the role of ceramides as modulators of stress response (apoptosis)."

Components of Signal Transduction: The Metabolic Fates and Cellular Functions of Myoinositol; I. Batty, et al. Activation Mechanisms of Phospholipase C Isozymes; S.G. Rhee. Receptor Function and Regulation: Lysophosphatidic Acid as a Lipid Mediator; W. Moolenaar, et al. Modulation of Opioid Receptor Function by Membrane Lipids; F. Medzihradsky. Transcription Factors and Gene Regulation: Regulation of Gene Expression in Rodent Hepatocytes; K.G. Xanthopoulos. Transcription Factor CREM; D. Masquilier. Biosynthesis, Insertion, and Function of Membrane Components: Transmembrane Lipid Asymmetry in Eukaryotes; P.F. Devaux, A. Zachowski. Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Protein and Membrane Vesicle Flow; K.W.A. Wirtz, G.T. Snoek. Membrane Peroxidation and Protection: The Effects of Oxygen-Derived Free Radicals On Lipids, Protein and their Interactions; C. Rice-Evans. The Vitamin E Antitoxidant Cycle in Health and Disease; L. Packer. 17 additional articles. Index.