A NATO Advanced Study Institute on "New Developments in Lipid-Protein Interactions and Receptor Function" was held on the Island of Spetsai, Greece, from August 16-27, 1992. This Institute was organized to bring together researchers in the field of membrane organization and dynamics with those actively involved in studies on receptor function, signal transduction mechanisms and gene regulation. 2 Presentations and discussions focussed on the regulation of intracellular Ca +-levels, on the second messengers derived from inositol lipids and on the specific phospholipase C isozymes involved in these processes. A major focus was on G-proteins and the effect of lipid anchors on their function. These principles of regulation were further discussed in the context of receptors for acetylcholine, lysophosphatidic acid and low-density lipoproteins. In addition, various aspects of the genomic regulation of cell growth and differentiation by transcription factors were presented. These topics were put into perspective by discussing the most recent developments in lipid-protein interactions, protein insertion into membranes, membrane lipid organization and lipid dynamics as mediated by phospholipid transfer proteins. This book presents the content of the major lectures and a selection of the most relevant of the most important topics posters. These proceedings offer a comprehensive account presented during the course of the Institute. The book is intended to make these proceedings accessible to a large audience.

Inhalt

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.