Protein PhosphorylationA mechanism for regulating most aspects of cell life

The covalent attachment and removal of phosphate from proteins, catalysed by protein kinases and protein phosphatases, is a simple, flexible and reversible mechanism for controlling protein function, and is used to regulate most aspects of cell life. A quarter or more of mammalian proteins contain covalently bound phosphate, and protein... read morekinases, protein phosphatases and other proteins that modulate their functions account for some 5% of all human gene products. Abnormal levels of protein phosphorylation are a cause or consequence of many diseases, which has led to protein kinases becoming the pharmaceutical industry’s most important set of drug targets, especially in the field of cancer drug discovery.

The talks are given by the scientists who have made many of the key discoveries and shaped the field, as well as those who have and are applying this knowledge to develop drugs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.