Redox biology is a fundamental aspect of cellular and molecular physiology that involves the study of oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions crucial for life processes. These reactions are responsible for the transfer of electrons among molecules and are vital for energy production, cellular signaling, and the regulation of cellular stress. Central to understanding redox biology are molecules like reactive oxygen species (ROS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and glutathione (GSH), which play significant roles in maintaining cellular health and contributing to disease pathogenesis.

ROS are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, produced naturally within biological systems. They are crucial in regulating a variety of cellular functions such as signal transduction, immune responses, and cellular homeostasis. Specifically, ROS are involved in critical regulatory processes including protein phosphorylation, gene expression, and the induction of apoptosis, particularly active in cellular compartments like mitochondria. However, an excessive accumulation of ROS leads to oxidative stress, which can damage cells and tissues by oxidizing lipids, proteins, and DNA. This oxidative stress is a contributing factor to many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Counterbalancing the detrimental effects of ROS, the body utilizes several antioxidant mechanisms, including GSH and specific enzymes like superoxide dismutases and glutathione peroxidases. GSH, a potent intracellular antioxidant made up of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, is crucial for protecting cells against oxidative damage and maintaining redox homeostasis. It also plays a role in detoxifying harmful compounds, which is essential for cellular function and survival. Dysregulation in GSH levels is linked to various conditions characterized by oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, liver diseases, and the general process of aging. Therapeutic strategies aimed at boosting GSH levels through dietary supplements or precursors like N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are being explored to improve outcomes in these oxidative stress-related diseases.

NAD is another cornerstone of redox biology, serving as a key cofactor in metabolic processes that are critical for life. It plays essential roles in energy production, cellular repair, and the regulation of longevity. NAD is integral to redox reactions that fuel cellular metabolism, supports DNA repair, gene expression, and mitochondrial function. It also influences aging by modulating the activity of sirtuins, proteins dependent on NAD for their function, which are involved in metabolic regulation and aging processes. The therapeutic potential of enhancing NAD levels is significant, as this strategy is being investigated for treating age-related degenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, where initial studies have shown promising results.

Moreover, fluctuations in NAD levels are linked with various pathological conditions, such as metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer, emphasizing its crucial role in managing oxidative stress and inflammation. Understanding the intricate roles and interactions of ROS, NAD, and GSH within the framework of redox biology not only highlights their importance in health and disease but also underscores the potential of therapeutic interventions that aim to balance these crucial molecules. Such strategies hold the promise of preventing and treating a diverse array of diseases, particularly those associated with aging and oxidative stress.

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Issam Ben-Sahra (Northwestern University)
REGULATION OF NUCLEOTIDE METABOLISM
Donita Brady (University of Pennsylvania)
Ed Chouchani (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
Lydia Finley (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Marcia Haigis (Harvard Medical School)
Gerta Hoxhaj (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)
Isha Jain (University of California, San Francisco)
Luke O’Neill (Trinity College Dublin)
Thales Papagiannakopoulos (NYU Langone)
David Sabatini (Czech Academy of Sciences)
Jessica Spinelli (UMass Chan Medical School)
Ramon Sun (University of Florida)
Lloyd Trotman (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Mariia Yuneva (Francis Crick Institute)

Target Audience

This conference will appeal to scientists and clinicians interested in basic biology of redox as well as how antioxidants and NAD+ supplements confer positive effects on healthy living and longevity.

Educational Need

This conference will bring together scientists providing a solid foundation in the basic principles of redox biology, including the chemistry of oxidation-reduction reactions, the types of molecules involved (like ROS, NAD, and GSH), and their roles in cellular physiology. The conference will offer updates on the latest research and developments in the field, including recent discoveries about the role of redox processes in cellular signaling, immune responses, and the pathogenesis of diseases like cancer. The conference will give you the opportunity to discuss the clinical implications of redox biology, such as the links between oxidative stress and NAD to diseases like Parkinson’s, and cancer.