Experimental Biology 2021 took place as a virtual conference from 27 – 30 April. The organising societies have worked hard to create a fascinating four-day programme that explores anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology, investigative pathology, pharmacology, and physiology.
The Physiological Society are supporting two symposia at EB2021, details of which are below:
Extracellular Vesicles as Targets for Cardiovascular Health
Thursday 29 April I 14:00 – 15:30 EDT / 19:00 – 20:30 BST
Chair: Dr Susan Currie, University of Strathclyde, UK
Cardiovascular disease remains the major cause of global mortality despite advances in disease treatment. Early detection of cardiovascular pathology is crucial for enhanced management and therapeutic treatment going forward. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as potential candidates for novel biomarkers of cardiac injury, cardiotoxicity and also show potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. EVs play a role in intercellular communication across a number of cardiovascular cell types and, as such, may contribute to the progression of the pathophysiological process. This symposium will examine the current research strategies being considered for harnessing EVs in the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders. Particular focus will be given to the role EVs might serve as biomarkers of cardiac injury and how they may be used as therapeutic agents and drug delivery carriers going forward.
Speakers:
Dr Lorraine Work, University of Glasgow, UK
Dr Henrique Girao, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Breathing with Neuromuscular Disease: Translation to Therapy
Thursday 29 April I 16:00 – 17:30 EDT / 21:00 – 22:30 BST
Chair: Professor Ken O’Halloran, University College Cork, Ireland
This symposium will focused on recent advances in the understanding of respiratory control in neuromuscular diseases, with a focus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Pompe disease and ALS. Dr. Petrof reviewed evidence from translational animal models that have allowed for a comprehensive characterisation of respiratory muscle remodelling contributing to disease onset and progression. Recent work by Dr Burns has provided novel insight into the broad vista of the deficits and compensations affecting respiratory system performance in muscular dystrophy, with implications for therapeutic strategies. Dr. Smith described deficits and compensations in persons with neuromuscular disease (Pompe and ALS) and novel evaluations of cardiopulmonary function. All three speakers will discuss pharmacotherapy and rehabilitative strategies that provide a road map for the development of effective interventional treatments for this devastating disease.
Speakers:
Dr Basil J. Petrof, McGill University, Canada
Professor Barbara Smith, University of Florida, USA
Dr David P. Burns, University College Cork, Ireland
You can find the full EB2021 programme and register your place on the conference website.