Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Email: bperbal gmail. The present manuscript reports on the progress made toward the official announcement of the first World Conference on Cellular Communication and Signaling. This conference is made possible by the Association for research on biosignaling and communication initiative, which was originally launched in and revitalized during the 12th International Workshop on the Cell Communication Network family of genes in Oslo June 20—23, The aim of this conference is to facilitate interactions among the members of societies interested in all aspects of research on Biosignaling and Communication.
It is intended to provide a platform for collaborative efforts aimed at unraveling and understanding the functioning of biological pathways in both normal and pathological conditions. Cell communication and signaling are two major regulatory biological pathways involved in controlling the harmonious interaction of tissues and organs from early normal development to the late stages of the life cycle.
Discovered two decades after the identification of three genes Cyr61, Ctgf, and Nov, also known as Cell Communication Network CCN 1—3 encoding structurally very similar proteins, with a variety of different biological properties, these regulatory factors were the prototypes of a larger family of CCN factors.
This family includes many previously described multifactorial signaling families involved in cellular signaling and communication Figure 1. As one of the three pioneers in this field, Bernard Perbal believed that we should further enhance the scientific progress by collaborating with groups working on these proteins. The diverse and engaging presentations at the event laid the foundation for international collaborations and productive interactions among groups studying these new signaling factors.
Studies performed by different groups on CCN proteins over the last 30 years have highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to fully understand the biological activities regulated by these proteins. For example, research carried out in different independent laboratories has highlighted the numerous spatial interactions of CCN proteins with other signaling factors.
