Biological Membranes

02 June 2008, Edinburgh, UK

Introduction

A large number of biological targets of pharmacological importance are situated in the membrane. Approximately 55% of drug targets are membrane proteins. The importance of analytical techniques lies in understanding the structure and function of membranes and their proteins. Shedding light on the structure of those proteins and their interactions with other molecules could help progress the development of novel drugs.

Aims of the workshop were:

to discuss the understanding of biological membranes and the meaning for drug interactions;
to identify tools and techniques that allow research into the characteristics biological membranes;
to discuss how the development of novel drugs can be facilitated;
to discuss the development of early diagnosis techniques and tools for disease monitoring;