The year 2007 will mark the 20th anniversary of the identification of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy disease gene, dystrophin. This seminal discovery was realized through the independent efforts of Dr. Ron Worton, Dr. Lou Kunkel and their respective laboratories. The identification of the dystrophin gene was a significant scientific event and represents a major milestone in the fields of both basic muscle biology and human molecular genetics. As such, we are holding an international symposium to honor Drs. Worton and Kunkel and their auspicious achievement. Both will give keynote addresses on the challenges and achievements since their initial discovery. In addition, nine scientific sessions will explore current progress in various aspects of neuromuscular disease.

Planned Objectives:

1) The conference is entitled "The 20th Anniversary of the DMD Gene Discovery: Impact on Muscle Biology, Disease and Therapy" and will take place on May 3-5, 2007 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

2) The conference will aim to acknowledge the research achievements of Worton and Kunkel, discoverers of DMD gene.

3) The conference will attract the best scientists from around the world and will foster networking and exchanging of ideas related to musculoskeletal health research and to the development of therapies for neuromuscular diseases.  We anticipate the participation of 35 invited speakers, 9 session chairs, Drs. Worton and Kunkel as guests of honor, and in the range of an additional 140 attendees (Scientists, Postdocs, Students etc.)

4) The conference will aim to recognize the research excellence of approximately thirty five of the pre-eminent researchers in the field of Musculoskeletal Health, who will present their findings at the meeting.

5) The conference will aim to inspire students and other young scientists within this arena who will have the opportunity to attend the meeting.

6) The conference will aim to provide students and other young scientists with the opportunity to present their work at poster sessions at the conference.

7) The conference will aim to provide a forum for researchers across Canada, USA and beyond for networking and exchanging ideas related to musculoskeletal health research.

8) The key topics at the meeting are: dystrophin and the dystrophinopathies; dystrophin glycoprotein complex; general advances in Spinal Muscular Atrophy; general advances in Myotonic Dystrophy; pathogenic mechanisms in muscle disease; gene therapy of muscle disease; cell therapy of muscle disease; pharmacologic therapies of muscle disease; other therapies of muscle disease.

We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

The Organizing Committee