Chaperone Proteins - Bruce Gold This session will discuss the putative role of chaperone proteins and their down-stream signaling pathways (such as the MAP kinase pathway) in neuroprotection and nerve regeneration. Specific interest will focus on chaperone proteins comprising steroid receptor complexes, notably heat shock proteins (Hsp-90, Hsp-70), immunophilins (FKBP-52, cyclophilin 40) and p23. These represent new targets for the discovery and design of candidate drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders.
The growing list of new mutations identified in hereditary neuropathies (e.g., HMSN Ia, Ib, X, HNPP, EGFR2-gene associated neuropathies, and several others) allows surprising genotype-phenotype correlations. Our present classification scheme of inherited neuropathies needs to be adapted. Inherited neuropathies complicated by diabetes or vasculitis can now be clearly identified using fresh blood or even archival sural nerve specimens, fixed in formalin or glutaraldehyde and embedded in paraffin. The discussion may be focussed on mutations in PMP22, connexin32 and P0 (MPZ, myelin protein zero).
Skin Biopsies - Bill Kennedy The format of this discussion group will consist of short (3 min) talks about single topics to stimulate open discussion of the topic. The session will start with a short introduction by Bill Kennedy about the utility of skin biopsy and the apparent growing enthusiasm for using skin biopsy. Mike Polydefkis will then talk about staining techniques and Gwen Crabb will discuss imaging. Isabelle Paraquet will finish by discussing the problems about quantitation.