From the 28^th to the 30^th September 2011, the 2011 Great Wall Symposium is being held in Lisbon. This symposium focuses on "The Dynamics of Peptidoglycan Structure and Function: New Insights into the 'Great Wall'. The symposium will feature the latest advances in the field of peptidoglycan metabolism. Over the past several years, the peptidoglycan molecule has received renewed attention. With new technologies available, microbiologists are rethinking aspects of peptidoglycan structure. In addition, microbial genetics is providing new insight into how the cell orchestrates the synthesis, breakdown and recycling of the molecule. Further, new data are emerging that demonstrate a role for peptidoglycan or peptidoglycan derivatives in communication among bacterial cells of the same species, different species, and between bacterial cells and eukaryotic host organisms. And finally, peptidoglycan is being recognized as a signalling molecule not only in pathogenesis, but also in the normal, beneficial interactions that animals have with their coevolved microbial partners.

Further details regarding this event can be obtained either by clicking on the flyer on the right hand submenu or by visiting the Great Wall website (http://thegreatwall-symposium.org/).

(Posted 19th April 2011)