A NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Membrane Receptors, Dynamics and Energetics" was held in order to consider recent developments in membrane receptor research. Presentations and discussions focussed on signal transduction mechanisms (e.g. 2 G-proteins, transducin, Ca +) and on the structure and func- tion of some selected receptors (i.e. low density lipoprotein receptor, acetylcholine receptor, growth factor receptors, toxin receptors). These topics were put in the larger con- text of current knowledge on the structure and function of membranes; connections between different fields of research were established by in-depth discussions of energy transduc- tion and transport mechanisms. Specialized membrane systems were discussed including chloroplasts and chromaffin granules. Functional relationships with specific lipids (e.g. phospho- inositides, lipid A) were major topics of discussion. This book presents the content of the major lectures and a selection of most relevant posters presented during the course of the Institute.
This book is intended to make the proceedings of the Institute accessible to a larger audience and to offer a comprehensive account of those topics of re- ceptor, membrane and bioenergetics research that were at the center of interest during our stay on the Island of Spetsai from August 17 to 30, 1986.