The International School of Biophysics in Erice, Sicily has hosted a course on “Channels and Transporters” four times since 2002. This will be the fifth time it is held.

The intention of the course is to bring together experts in transporter physiology, ion channel biophysics, and structural biology both to teach and to discuss the structure and function of channels and transporters.

Lectures will include didactic presentations on the fundamentals of ion channels and primary and secondary transporters, as well as practical information on patch clamp, biochemical assays, protein purification, X-ray crystallography, molecular dynamics, drug interactions with transporters and channels, and fluorescence microscopy.
Experts will demonstrate the role of channels and transporters in human disease and show how this knowledge has been translated into the clinic. We anticipate each lecturer will provide into an initial didactic session that introduces the topic and provides essential background and methodological information, followed by a state-of-the-art presentation in their field of research.

Finally, leading experts present channels and transporters in light of human disease. Many ad hoc interactions occur between students and lecturers.

Ample time has been allowed for discussion after each session. Additional discussion groups at the end of the day will focus on general principles, and on problems raised by the students. Students will also have the opportunity to present their own data in both oral presentations (“data blitzes”) and poster sessions. There will thus be multiple opportunites for discussion and ad hoc interactions between students and lecturers.

The small town of Erice has a relaxed atmosphere and provides a beautiful setting for the course.

The cost of the course is 100 euros/day, which includes all fees, room, and board.