MAP Kinase cascades are evolutionary conserved, intracellular signal transduction pathways that respond to various extracellular stimuli and control a large number of fundamental cellular processes including growth, proliferation, differentiation, motility, stress response, survival and apoptosis. At present, four different mammalian MAP Kinase cascades have been identified, and named according to their MAPK components: ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and ERK5. These central cascades are very tightly regulated, but when dysregylated they often cause diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, inflammation as well as developmental and neurological disorders. Therefore, gaining insights into these cascades is important for the understanding of fundamental processes as well as for developing drugs aimed to combat the various diseases.

We are cordially inviting all of you to participate in a unique meeting devoted exclusively to MAP Kinases. The meeting, entitled "The Biochemistry, Biology and Pathology of MAP Kinases", will be held in the beautiful venue of Ma'ale Hachamisha, Jerusalem Hills, Israel on 14-18 October, 2012. This meeting will combine talks from international leaders in the MAP kinase field with active cross-talk between scientists involved in different aspects of the multidisciplinary research of MAP Kinases. The topics that will be covered include structural and mechanistic features of MAP Kinase, roles played by MAP Kinases in various organisms, and the importance of these kinases in development and disease. Aside of lectures by leading scientists, the meeting will also include poster sessions, and presentation of selected abstracts. We believe that such a meeting would provide a great opportunity to exchange data, ideas and views that will lead to synergism in the studies of these important signaling components.

We look forward to seeing you, and wish all of us a very enjoyable and fruitful meeting.