Welcome to the 19th International Conference on Retinal Proteins
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Committee members of the International Conference on Retinal Proteins (ICRP), we would like to cordially invite you to attend the 19th International Conference on Retinal Proteins (ICRP2020) in Ise-Shima, Japan, from June 1 to 6, 2020.
Retinal proteins contain a retinal molecule in their protein moieties that responds to light. They are diverse and versatile proteins found throughout the natural world, from humans to bacteria and viruses. They function as photoreceptor proteins mediating visual and non-visual photic functions, light-activated ion pumps, channels, sensors, and enzymes in microorganisms. The ICRP was established in 1984 as the only international conference to comprehensively address retinal proteins. Since then, the conference has been held every two years at different venues around the world. Following the success of ICRP2018 held in Canada, ICRP2020 was planned in Japan. The coming ICRP is the 5th ICRP to be held in Japan.
The main objective of this conference is to share the latest research on the diverse aspects of retinal proteins. These include crystallographic and spectroscopic studies of protein structure and dynamics, genetic, biochemical and physiological studies of protein function, signal transduction and energy transduction mechanisms. In addition, retinal proteins are actively used in other research applications. For example, retinal proteins are used as a tool in optogenetics, a technique that allows us to control the activity of specific neurons and animal behavior by light.
Ise-Shima area is located at the center of Japan. Ise City is home to the Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine), which is dedicated to the ancestral kami (Amaterasu-Omikami) of the Imperial family. It is thus one of the most sacred places in Japan. Shima City faces Ise Bay of the Pacific Ocean, famous for oyster and pearl cultivation. Due to the delicious gourmet food of the area, it is widely known as the “province of eating”. Thank you for considering travelling to Japan to attend the ICRP2020 in Ise-Shima.
With my best regards,
Hideki Kandori and Akihisa Terakita
Chairs of ICRP2020