Symposia 2009: At EB 2009, the LWIC-sponsored symposium, titled, "Molecular Imaging of Physiological Processes in Drug Discovery" was held April 21, 2009. This symposium focused on molecular imaging, a process that unites molecular biology and in vivo imaging, and enables non-invasive visualization of cellular and molecular physiological processes in living organisms. This rapidly evolving field has applicability to drug discovery ranging from obtaining global views of target tissues and drug actions, to target identification and localization, as well as non-invasive imaging of pathophysiologic processes in tissues and organ systems. Speakers were H. William Strauss, Adriana Maggi, Paul Acton and Chris Reutelingsperger. Topics covered included: recent developments in molecular imaging and their impact on drug discovery; the current and future application of reporter animals for drug discovery; functional molecular imaging in translational research; and the advances made towards the potential clinical applications of molecular imaging in pathophysiological processes of cardiovascular diseases. This is the ninth symposium sponsored by the Committee. The topic had not been previously presented as an oral symposium at EB, and the topic was perceived as timely due to recent technological advances and applications of these approaches to better understanding pathophysiological mechanisms.
At EB 2009, the LWIC co-sponsored the Translational Physiology symposium entitled: "Fibrosis: Signaling, Physiology and Therapies," held the morning of April 20, 2009. This symposium presented the mechanisms underlying tissue fibrosis associated with several end-stage organ diseases, including hepatic cirrhosis, cardiac diastolic dysfunction, and end-stage renal disease and displayed the "bench-to-bedside" scope of translational research in this constellation of unmet medical needs. The speakers were Scott Friedman, Eric Neilson, Scott Loning, and Kevin Brown; the topics covered were the key signaling pathways associated with fibrosis in multiple tissues, epithelial-tomesenchymal transition mediated fibrogenesis in kidney and lung, the similarities and differences associated with current small molecule and biologic therapies; and the successes and challenges that fibrotic therapies are experiencing in the clinic.
Novel Disease Model Award: The award recognizes one graduate student ($500) and one postdoctoral fellow ($800) submitting the best abstract describing a disease model that is novel or promises application to the drug discovery process. Four students and three postdocs applied (a total of 8 abstracts were received in 2008, a decrease of one from last year). The top two abstracts included a student and a postdoc, and awards in both categories were given. To try to increase the number of applications, Committee members will submit a flyer with description of the NDM to departments where each earned their PhD, as well as departments where they recruit postdocs. Other mechanisms conceived to increase submissions to the NDM award include contacting the APS Trainee Advisory Committee and having each committee member write a paragraph for the sectional newsletter to be included under the heading of "Awards." For the 2009 award process, the Committee amended the application to require inclusion of a cover letter with the submitted abstract that details: 1) why the applicant�s disease model or approach is novel; 2) how the model may enable new or more efficient drug discovery investigation; and 3) the applicant�s technical and conceptual contributions to the abstract. The requested additional information has enabled better and more appropriate evaluation of the applications.
Symposia for EB 2010: The LWIC will continue its annual tradition of sponsoring high quality symposia relevant to industry and academic scientists. The Committee proposed a symposium on "Novel Approaches for the Treatment of Heart Failure" for EB 2010. The symposium is co-chaired by Maggie Alonso-Galacia and Craig Plato. The Committee also proposed a Translational Physiology symposium on "Integrins: New Insights and Therapeutic Targets." The symposium will be chaired by Shaila Bassavappa.
Committee Name Change and Perceptions of Physiologists in Industry Survey: The Committee has requested and received approval from Council to change the Committee's name to "Physiologists in Industry Committee" (PIC).This name would be a more accurate reflection of the Committee's membership and responsibilities. During its recent meeting, the Committee deemed that many concerns stem from how industry researchers perceive those working in industry; and that the first step should be to learn what those perceptions are and then work to resolve those perceptions. The Committee drafted a survey entitled, "Beliefs/Perceptions Regarding Industry Physiologists." Paper versions of that survey were distributed at EB09 in New Orleans. Additional copies of the survey were distributed at the APS Summer Research Conference in Colorado. While it is recognized that the survey likely did not query a normal distribution of the APS membership, it is believed that the initial sampling would inform the Committee in regards to the perceptions of industry physiologists. The results of the survey will be used to refine and submit an electronic version of the survey to the entire APS membership. The Committee has revised it mission statement and it has been posted on the PIC web page.