DECEMBER 6-7, 1999

Studies in physiology have always required the wise choice of experimental organisms and preparations based in part on experimental and technical feasibility. The integration of molecular biology and molecular genetics into studies of physiology has encouraged reassessment of the offerings of experimental organisms and preparations. The availability of extensive or complete DNA sequences and the genetic manipulability of the organisms now command equal consideration. Lower eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms offer ever-increasing opportunities to gain insight into mammalian function through both informatics and experiments.



• The first objective will be to introduce physiologists studying mammalian membrane transport to model organisms of great genetic utility and to some of the investigators currently studying these membrane transport processes. These organisms include some with well-developed traditions of physiological investigation, such as E. coli and S. cerevisiae, others representing more restricted areas of physiological study, such as D. melanogaster, and A. thaliana, and still others at earlier but rapidly developing stages of physiological investigation of membrane transport processes, such as C. elegans. Additional organisms will be discussed.

• The second objective will be to introduce experimental techniques, opportunities, and currently perceived constraints on the use of these model systems for the study of mammalian membrane transport proteins, processes, and their regulation.

• The third objective will be to encourage participants who study mammalian membrane transport processes to integrate comparative physiology, broadly defined, into their on going projects.


Early registration for the workshop will be available at the Bethesda Marriott from 4-9 pm on Sunday, December 5. Posters displayed for the duration of the conference will permit attendees to present their work on mammalian transporters studied in model systems and on the transport processes native to the model systems themselves.

Continental breakfasts and box lunches, as well as a buffet dinner and a late snack on Monday evening, December 6, will be served in an area adjacent to the posters to facilitate poster viewing and informal discussion.