2008/09/03
The European network Inproteolys holds its first course on specialized methods of studying proteolysis at CIC bioGUNE
Between 1st and 5th September, at the premises of CIC bioGUNE, the European network for the study of intra-cellular proteolysis, Inproteolys, held its first course on specialized methods of studying the proteolysis performed by the ubiquitin/proteasome system.
The destruction of proteins within the cell has implications in countless physiological and pathological processes such as neuro-degeneration, immune system diseases and cancer. Hence many laboratories, both public and private, are interested in this area of knowledge and its potential applications.
The aim of this course, co-financed by the Basque Government and CIC bioGUNE, is to contribute to the technical and academic training of future researchers - students, post-doctoral researchers and technicians - whilst at the same time serving to integrate the research carried out in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country into that performed throughout Spain and elsewhere in the European Union.
The initiative for the Inproteolys network initially came from Spain, where half of the network's 40 member laboratories are located. Its main aims are to step up, and enhance the quality of, its research activity; to optimize available resources through technical and technological exchanges; and to participate in the training of a new generation of scientists in various related scientific and technical areas. Inproteolys enables groups that are just starting up to acquire knowledge about areas complementary to their activity and to become established, whilst in the case of groups that are established already, it serves as a springboard for applying for funding from European and international institutions.
Inproteolys' annual meetings are financed by the Ministry of Education and Science and by the private sector on a match-funding basis. The Basque Government has given this initiative additional support by creating the European network's website, which is dedicated to the study of intra-cellular proteolysis.