Cell death: physiopathological and therapeutic implications

Abstract

The Annual Meeting of the Associazione Italiana di Colture Cellulari (ONLUS-AICC) in collaboration with Phoenix Stem Cell Foundation for Human Life (Phoenix-ONLUS) was held during 2–4 December 2009, in Florence (Italy). AICC has been known for more than 20 years for its promoting initiatives regarding cell cultures. The Phoenix Foundation was born in March 2009 with the main aims of promoting research in the field of stem cells, guaranteeing ethical principles and transferring the results of stem cell research to clinics, in view of their possible impact on human health. The Meeting brought together top Italian scientists to share their current knowledge and views on the cellular and molecular aspects of cell death (from programmed cell deaths, such as apoptosis, anoikis and autophagy, to necrosis), on the role of programmed cell death in maintaining an organism's homeostasis, on the impact of deregulation of death mechanisms in human diseases, and on the design of candidate apoptosis targeting therapeutics in Regenerative Medicine. The Meeting was also an occasion for stimulating interactions and for the exchange of points of view among senior and young scientists and undergraduate students. The Opening Ceremony included the presentation of the Meeting topics by the President of AICC, Augusto Pessina, and the President of the Phoenix Foundation, Sergio Capaccioli, and was followed by the tributes of the local authorities, that is, Gianfranco Gensini and Sergio Pinzauti, Deans of the Faculties of Medicine and of Pharmacy of the University of Florence, respectively, and Antonio Panti, President of the Order of Physicians of the Province of Florence. The Meeting consisted of four main sessions, the synthetic digests of which are reported below. The details can be found at http://www1.unifi.it/plrna/index.html.