Workshop on the biochemical analysis of Collagen type I, III and V, collagens responsible for heritable connective tissue disorders.

Ghent, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 26-30 October 2009

The five-day workshop will aim to give researchers interested in inherited connective tissue diseases, a practical overview of the biochemical procedure to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of collagen type I, III (and V). The course will include an introductory lecture followed by a practical session in which the different methodologies for biochemical analyses will be illustrated. The different aspects of the procedures including sampling and tissue culture, labelling of the (pro)collagen molecules produced by human dermal fibroblasts, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, autoradiography and interpretation of the results will be explained. This will enable the participants to learn more on the specific procedures used in the laboratory for the diagnosis of connective tissue disorders and to participate actively in certain experiments.

Participants

Applicants are invited to send their CV together with a 300-word outline of their current activities (scientific, clinical or other) that illustrates the relevance of the course to their work. The number of participants will be limited to 8.

Expenses

Accommodation and travel expenses should be paid by the participants. The course organizers can arrange hotel accommodation at reduced price (1 October).

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 15th September, 2009.

Contacts Prof. Ing. Paul Coucke Centre for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Building 0K5 De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent Belgium Phone : 00 32 9 240 36 34 Fax : 00 32 9 240 65 49 Email: paul.coucke@ugent.be