This symposium will cover three important areas in the clinical application of imaging sciences. These three areas include molecular imaging, image guided therapeutic interventions and basic issues in human clinical research. Dr. Li will discuss the use of imaging techniques to follow molecular events in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. Dr. Lederman will show how MRI guided catheterization procedures can aid in numerous interventional approaches including directed cell therapies and device placement. Dr. McFarland will discuss the use of imaging techniques in understanding the natural history of MS and the use of MRI in assessing new therapies.

This symposium presents three different aspects of Structural Biology. New methods in cryo electron microscopy will be described that provide the promise of obtaining three-dimensional structures of large molecular assemblies at high resolution. The applications of crystallography to illuminate biological processes will be illustrated by crystal structures of the inhibitory and the activating receptor-ligand complexes, suggesting a mechanism by which NK cells use germline proteins to distinguish between self versus non-self. Finally, the availability of atomic-level structures for HIV-1 env antigens will be discussed in the context of eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies.

This session will highlight the common signaling pathways, growth factors and transcriptional mechanisms involved in musculoskeletal and skin development. Patterning, cell fate determination and differentiation of cartilage, bone, muscle and skin as it relates to normal and abnormal development will be discussed.