- Email: [email protected]
Parkinson’s Disease, Environment and Genes
NeuroToxicology 22 (2001) 829±832
Meeting Report
Parkinson's Disease, Environment and Genes Joan M. Cranmer Professor and Conference Chairperson, Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1120 Marshall, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
The 19th meeting in the International Neurotoxicology Conference Series (NTX XIX) was held 25±28 August, 2001 at the Double Tree Hotel World Arena nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Colorado Springs and the Pike's Peak region of Colorado. Approximately 250 participants from academia, government, private foundations and industry travelled from 13 different countries to participate in this timely conference which focused on the theme of Parkinson's Disease, Environment and Genes. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating and complex disease that progressively affects the control of movement and also produces a wide range of other problems for the patients. The symptoms reflect the gradual loss of nerve cells in particular areas of the brain. Among these, cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine die in a small brain area called the substantia nigra. We do not know what triggers the death of nerve cells in most people with Parkinson's disease. We know that some people inherit the disease while others acquire disease from other causes. There is a recent and increasing evidence of interaction between environmental exposures and genetic susceptibility in the etiology interaction of PD. SPECIFIC AIMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS The 19th International Neurotoxicology Conference had five specific aims. Specific Aims Aim 1: To convene the identified international experts and other researchers anywhere in the world to present, discuss and evaluate the most recent research and information concerning the causes, mechanisms, diagE-mail address: [email protected] (J.M. Cranmer). 0161-813X/01/$ ± see front matter PII: S 0 1 6 1 - 8 1 3 X ( 0 1 ) 0 0 0 9 1 - 2
nosis and treatment of parkinsonism and related neurodegenerative disorders. Aim 2: To encourage and enhance communication, understanding and collaboration between clinicians, basic scientists, clinical researchers, epidemiologists, special interest groups, risk assessors and others working to further our understanding of all aspects of parkinsonism, especially the causal relationship between genes and environment. Aim 3: To organize the Program in a logical and orderly fashion to examine the issues, document research advances and identify specific research gaps. Aim 4: To facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and foster or initiate new multidisciplinary research approaches to advance the science related to the theme. Aim 5: To rapidly peer-review and disseminate findings to the scientific community. All presenters were invited to submit original research papers of new data as well as brief communications, positions papers, commentaries, reviews, or summaries of recent findings related to the specific topics addressed at the meeting. Papers will be peer-reviewed and rapidly published in NeuroToxicology, an international scientific journal that is widely disseminated, indexed, abstracted, cross-referenced and available online. Achievements Specific Aims 1±4 were achieved by convening the world's experts and organizing the conference via our traditional and successful format of tutorials, invited plenaries, research presentations from platform and poster, roundtable discussions, workshops and focused discussion groups. There was also ample opportunity for informal interaction and camaraderie during the reception, refreshment breaks, lunch and
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dinner breaks, poster session, free time and group outing into the Rockies.
Caroline Tanner selected the top papers in the PostDoctoral category.
Specific Aim 5 is partially realized at this time with publication of the meeting report, session summaries, research needs, program and abstracts in this issue of NeuroToxicology22(6):2001. The full papers are currently undergoing peer-review and will be published in Volume 23 of NeuroToxicology.
The winners are:
CO-CHAIRS, SESSION CHAIRS AND RAPPORTEURS Conference Co-Chairs I would especially like to recognize and thank the Conference Co-Chairs, Deborah Cory-Slechta and Donato Di Monte, for their expertise and diligent work in outlining the research program, identifying worldwide experts and formulating topics for presentation and discussion. Session Chairs and Rapporteurs Special thanks also go to the following individuals who served as stimulating session chairs, delivered a wellprepared presentation or summarized the session and research needs. Michael Aschner Harvey Checkoway Mahlon DeLong Matthew Farrer Jay Gorell Annette Kirshner Cindy Lawler Kenneth Olden Richard Seegal Mildred Williams-Johnson
Gerald Audesirk Lucio Costa Durisala Desaiah Lysia Forno Ole Isacson J. William Langston Virgina Moser Eric Richfield Caroline Tanner
STUDENT AWARD WINNERS Eighteen papers were entered in the student competition for $1000 in cash prizes and engraved plaques. Congratulations to all participating students for their excellent preparation, posters and presentations! There was both a pre-doctoral and a post-doctoral student award committee. Lucio Costa (Chair), Virginia Moser, Harvey Checkoway, Diane Miller and Richard Seegal selected the top papers in the PreDoctoral category. Gerald Audesirk (Chair), David Dorman, Durisala Desaiah, Michael Aschner, and
Pre-Doctoral Awards 1st Place: Trinh T. Tran±Title: ``Effect of High Manganese Intake of Neonatal Rats on Tissue Mineral Accumulation, Striatal Dopamine Levels and Neurodevelopmental Status''. Mentor: Bo LoÈnnerdal, University of California, Davis, CA. 2nd Place: Brian K. Barlow±Title: ``In vitro Augmentation of Dopamine Uptake by Fungicides. Mentor: Eric Richfield, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY. 3rd Place: Kevin Raviie Shepherd±Title: ``Paraquat on the Biomarkers of Dopaminergic Neuroactivity: a Possible Candidate for Studying Parkinson's Disease''. Mentor: C Charlton, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL. Post-Doctoral Awards 1st Place: Amy Manning-Bog±Title: ``Environmentally Relevant Models of a-Synuclein Pathology''. Mentor: Donato Di Monte, The Parkinson's Institute, Sunnyvale, CA. 2nd Place: Sherry Purkerson-Parker±Title: ``Developmental Exposure to Heptachlor or Dieldren Increases Dopamine Transporter binding in Rat Striatum''. Mentor: Virginia Moser, Neurotoxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. CONFERENCE AND EDITORIAL STAFF On behalf of all Conference participants I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the talented individuals who worked diligently before, during and after this meeting to insure that everything ran smoothly and all details were attended to. These dedicated and hard-working individuals are: Conference Administrator Tina Daniel Editorial Assistants Betty Garrett and Tina Daniel Continuing Medical Education Staff Alicia Edmiaston (Associate Director)
J.M. Cranmer / NeuroToxicology 22 (2001) 829±832
Karen Fleming Kesha Mack Karen Gray CONFERENCE SPONSORS The Parkinson's Disease, Environment and Genes conference was sponsored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The generous support of those who made this international conference possible is gratefully acknowledged below and on the next page: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/ NIH. National Center for Environmental Assessment/US EPA; National Center for Environmental Health/ CDC. NIEHS Environmental Health Sciences Center/University of Rochester Medical School; The Parkinson's Institute; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; Neurotoxicology Division/NHEERL/ US EPA; National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health/CDC; National Institute of Mental Health/ NIH; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Parkinson's Disease Foundation Argus Research; Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health; Elsevier Science, Eastman Kodak Company; and Arkansas Children's Hospital. NEUROTOXICOLOGY CONFERENCE CLOSING EVENT NTX XIX wrapped up Tuesday evening with a ``Slice of Colorado''. Conference participants boarded deluxe coaches for a scenic tour through the Gateway of the Rocky Mountains. This culminated in an evening spent at the M Lazy C Ranch where participants could practice roping steers, take hayrides through the Rocky Mountain National Forest, enjoy cowboy tales around the campfire and music provided by Cowboy Lucky Bill. While the sun set below the mountaintops, we dined on a feast of ribs and chicken cooked over an open flame, along with all the fixins'. To wear off desert and kick up our heels, everyone joined in the fun as professional square dance caller, Greg, taught us city slickers a few steps of the Cottoneyed Joe, the finer points of do-si-do, and the art of line dancing without injuring each other. All had great fun and it was truly too soon when we had to say ``so long'' to each other and the ranch in the Rockies and head back home.
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J.M. Cranmer / NeuroToxicology 22 (2001) 829±832
Meeting Report
Parkinson's Disease, Environment and Genes Joan M. Cranmer Professor and Conference Chairperson, Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1120 Marshall, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
The 19th meeting in the International Neurotoxicology Conference Series (NTX XIX) was held 25±28 August, 2001 at the Double Tree Hotel World Arena nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Colorado Springs and the Pike's Peak region of Colorado. Approximately 250 participants from academia, government, private foundations and industry travelled from 13 different countries to participate in this timely conference which focused on the theme of Parkinson's Disease, Environment and Genes. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating and complex disease that progressively affects the control of movement and also produces a wide range of other problems for the patients. The symptoms reflect the gradual loss of nerve cells in particular areas of the brain. Among these, cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine die in a small brain area called the substantia nigra. We do not know what triggers the death of nerve cells in most people with Parkinson's disease. We know that some people inherit the disease while others acquire disease from other causes. There is a recent and increasing evidence of interaction between environmental exposures and genetic susceptibility in the etiology interaction of PD. SPECIFIC AIMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS The 19th International Neurotoxicology Conference had five specific aims. Specific Aims Aim 1: To convene the identified international experts and other researchers anywhere in the world to present, discuss and evaluate the most recent research and information concerning the causes, mechanisms, diagE-mail address: [email protected] (J.M. Cranmer). 0161-813X/01/$ ± see front matter PII: S 0 1 6 1 - 8 1 3 X ( 0 1 ) 0 0 0 9 1 - 2
nosis and treatment of parkinsonism and related neurodegenerative disorders. Aim 2: To encourage and enhance communication, understanding and collaboration between clinicians, basic scientists, clinical researchers, epidemiologists, special interest groups, risk assessors and others working to further our understanding of all aspects of parkinsonism, especially the causal relationship between genes and environment. Aim 3: To organize the Program in a logical and orderly fashion to examine the issues, document research advances and identify specific research gaps. Aim 4: To facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and foster or initiate new multidisciplinary research approaches to advance the science related to the theme. Aim 5: To rapidly peer-review and disseminate findings to the scientific community. All presenters were invited to submit original research papers of new data as well as brief communications, positions papers, commentaries, reviews, or summaries of recent findings related to the specific topics addressed at the meeting. Papers will be peer-reviewed and rapidly published in NeuroToxicology, an international scientific journal that is widely disseminated, indexed, abstracted, cross-referenced and available online. Achievements Specific Aims 1±4 were achieved by convening the world's experts and organizing the conference via our traditional and successful format of tutorials, invited plenaries, research presentations from platform and poster, roundtable discussions, workshops and focused discussion groups. There was also ample opportunity for informal interaction and camaraderie during the reception, refreshment breaks, lunch and
830
J.M. Cranmer / NeuroToxicology 22 (2001) 829±832
dinner breaks, poster session, free time and group outing into the Rockies.
Caroline Tanner selected the top papers in the PostDoctoral category.
Specific Aim 5 is partially realized at this time with publication of the meeting report, session summaries, research needs, program and abstracts in this issue of NeuroToxicology22(6):2001. The full papers are currently undergoing peer-review and will be published in Volume 23 of NeuroToxicology.
The winners are:
CO-CHAIRS, SESSION CHAIRS AND RAPPORTEURS Conference Co-Chairs I would especially like to recognize and thank the Conference Co-Chairs, Deborah Cory-Slechta and Donato Di Monte, for their expertise and diligent work in outlining the research program, identifying worldwide experts and formulating topics for presentation and discussion. Session Chairs and Rapporteurs Special thanks also go to the following individuals who served as stimulating session chairs, delivered a wellprepared presentation or summarized the session and research needs. Michael Aschner Harvey Checkoway Mahlon DeLong Matthew Farrer Jay Gorell Annette Kirshner Cindy Lawler Kenneth Olden Richard Seegal Mildred Williams-Johnson
Gerald Audesirk Lucio Costa Durisala Desaiah Lysia Forno Ole Isacson J. William Langston Virgina Moser Eric Richfield Caroline Tanner
STUDENT AWARD WINNERS Eighteen papers were entered in the student competition for $1000 in cash prizes and engraved plaques. Congratulations to all participating students for their excellent preparation, posters and presentations! There was both a pre-doctoral and a post-doctoral student award committee. Lucio Costa (Chair), Virginia Moser, Harvey Checkoway, Diane Miller and Richard Seegal selected the top papers in the PreDoctoral category. Gerald Audesirk (Chair), David Dorman, Durisala Desaiah, Michael Aschner, and
Pre-Doctoral Awards 1st Place: Trinh T. Tran±Title: ``Effect of High Manganese Intake of Neonatal Rats on Tissue Mineral Accumulation, Striatal Dopamine Levels and Neurodevelopmental Status''. Mentor: Bo LoÈnnerdal, University of California, Davis, CA. 2nd Place: Brian K. Barlow±Title: ``In vitro Augmentation of Dopamine Uptake by Fungicides. Mentor: Eric Richfield, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY. 3rd Place: Kevin Raviie Shepherd±Title: ``Paraquat on the Biomarkers of Dopaminergic Neuroactivity: a Possible Candidate for Studying Parkinson's Disease''. Mentor: C Charlton, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL. Post-Doctoral Awards 1st Place: Amy Manning-Bog±Title: ``Environmentally Relevant Models of a-Synuclein Pathology''. Mentor: Donato Di Monte, The Parkinson's Institute, Sunnyvale, CA. 2nd Place: Sherry Purkerson-Parker±Title: ``Developmental Exposure to Heptachlor or Dieldren Increases Dopamine Transporter binding in Rat Striatum''. Mentor: Virginia Moser, Neurotoxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. CONFERENCE AND EDITORIAL STAFF On behalf of all Conference participants I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the talented individuals who worked diligently before, during and after this meeting to insure that everything ran smoothly and all details were attended to. These dedicated and hard-working individuals are: Conference Administrator Tina Daniel Editorial Assistants Betty Garrett and Tina Daniel Continuing Medical Education Staff Alicia Edmiaston (Associate Director)
J.M. Cranmer / NeuroToxicology 22 (2001) 829±832
Karen Fleming Kesha Mack Karen Gray CONFERENCE SPONSORS The Parkinson's Disease, Environment and Genes conference was sponsored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The generous support of those who made this international conference possible is gratefully acknowledged below and on the next page: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/ NIH. National Center for Environmental Assessment/US EPA; National Center for Environmental Health/ CDC. NIEHS Environmental Health Sciences Center/University of Rochester Medical School; The Parkinson's Institute; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; Neurotoxicology Division/NHEERL/ US EPA; National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health/CDC; National Institute of Mental Health/ NIH; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Parkinson's Disease Foundation Argus Research; Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health; Elsevier Science, Eastman Kodak Company; and Arkansas Children's Hospital. NEUROTOXICOLOGY CONFERENCE CLOSING EVENT NTX XIX wrapped up Tuesday evening with a ``Slice of Colorado''. Conference participants boarded deluxe coaches for a scenic tour through the Gateway of the Rocky Mountains. This culminated in an evening spent at the M Lazy C Ranch where participants could practice roping steers, take hayrides through the Rocky Mountain National Forest, enjoy cowboy tales around the campfire and music provided by Cowboy Lucky Bill. While the sun set below the mountaintops, we dined on a feast of ribs and chicken cooked over an open flame, along with all the fixins'. To wear off desert and kick up our heels, everyone joined in the fun as professional square dance caller, Greg, taught us city slickers a few steps of the Cottoneyed Joe, the finer points of do-si-do, and the art of line dancing without injuring each other. All had great fun and it was truly too soon when we had to say ``so long'' to each other and the ranch in the Rockies and head back home.
832
J.M. Cranmer / NeuroToxicology 22 (2001) 829±832