TSLC1/IGSF4, an immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecule (IgCAM), was initially identified as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer in the beginning of this century. Subsequent studies have revealed that loss of function of TSLC1/IGSF4 occurs in a variety of human tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, especially in their advanced stages with invasion. On the other hand, ectopic expression of TSLC1/IGSF4 is found in all the acute-type of Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cells, showing its possible enhancement of tissue invasion, a characteristic feature of the malignant ATL cells. Independent studies have also demonstrated that TSLC1/IGSF4 is expressed in the testis, brain, mast cells and activated CD8+ T-cells or natural killer (NK) cells and is deeply involved in the spermatogenesis, synapse formation, peritoneal infection, bronchial asthma, or cancer immunity. TSLC1/IGSF4 forms a homophilic and various types of heterophilic interactions based on its unique structure as an IgCAM. Therefore, its multiple functions suggest that TSLC1/IGSF4 regulates multiple-types of cell-to-cell interactions in a spatially and temporarily-specific manner through its homophilic and heterophilic interactions and plays key roles in a variety of physiological and pathological phenomena.
In comparison with its active molecular interaction, however, the personal interactions between the relevant researchers have not been active, because this research field, although growing, has a relatively short history of not more than 6 years. This time, we are very pleased to have an opportunity to hold the first international meeting on TSLC1/IGSF4 as the 55th Fujihara Seminar supported by the Fujihara Foundation of Science. The seminar will be held at a comfortable urban hotel of Grand Hotel New Oji in Tomakomai, Hokkaido. The meeting will begin on Monday, July 10, 2006, and will conclude on around 12:40 on Thursday, July 13. About 60 scientists from both abroad and Japan will participate the meeting and discuss topics focused on TSLC1/IGSF4 intensively. The subjects will include: 1) oncogenesis, 2) epithelia, 3) nervous system, 4) T and NK cells, 5) mast cells, 6) spermatogenesis, and 7) the related sciences.
The specific goal of this seminar is to bring together a diverse group of scientists studying the role of TSLC1/IGSF4 in cancer, epithelia, nervous system, T and NK cells, mast cells and spermatogenesis as well as the important related sciences. Principal investigators and young researchers will join to discuss their latest research findings and technical approaches toward the analysis of TSLC1/IGSF4 and the related sciences.