Qatar- QNRF sponsors biomedical researchers' meet

Date

3/8/2016 9:51:26 PM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Participants listening to one of the speakers at the conference.

DOHA: Leading biomedical researchers based in Qatar the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region Europe and the Far East met for a two-day ‘Ion Channels and Transporters in Health and Disease’ conference in Doha.

It was sponsored by Qatar National Research Fund’s (QNRF) Conference and Workshop Sponsorship Programme and organised by Professor Douglas Bovell Professor of Physiology and Biophysics Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q).

Sixteen speakers presented findings of their projects to 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 processes that keep the cell alive and functioning.

The tiny valve-like structures are little known to most people but are essential for the survival of virtually all life. Understanding more about how these ion channels operate sheds light not only on the basic science of animal and plant cells but also pathological alterations that cause disease helping researchers develop effective new medications.

Professor Bovell welcomed talented researchers and highlighted Qatar’s keenness to develop a knowledge-based economy. He also acknowledged QNRF and Qatar Foundation (QF) for their support for WCM-Q’s research activities.

Dr Khaled Machaca Associate Dean of Research WCM-Q presented findings of his laboratory on calcium signalling. “The research presented by our international panel of speakers is exciting with opportunities for learning from and working with one another” he said.

Professor Brian Harvey from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland presented findings on the gender specific nature of cellular functions and Professor Hsiao Chan from Chinese University of Hong Kong spoke about the role of ion channels in insulin release in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

Professor Deborah Baines from St. George’s University of London highlighted a relationship between glucose concentrations and bacterial infections in the airways of diabetes sufferers and Professor Peter McNaughton from Kings College London spoke about the role of ion channels in inflammation and pain. Professor Jens Leipziger from University of Aarhus in Denmark presented his group’s findings on ion channels in kidney function.

The Peninsula

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