Respiratory Cell & Molecular Biology

Zea Borok, M.D.
Chairperson

Welcome to the website for the ATS Assembly on Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (RCMB). Members of the Assembly are linked by a dedication to studying cellular and molecular functions in the normal and abnormal lung as we aim to understand the biological basis of lung disease. To support this mission, the RCMB Assembly seeks to advance our goals through the promotion of research and research funding, education, and by facilitating interactions with other Assemblies. We welcome new members particularly fellows, post-doctoral trainees, junior faculty and international members.

Our Assembly has been instrumental in introducing a number of cutting-edge scientific topics to the recent international conferences including:

• Stem cell biology and cell-based therapies
• Bioinformatics and biological computing
• Functional genomics/proteomics
• Epigenetics
• Epithelial-mesenchymal transition
• Micro-RNA

Opportunities for involvement in the RCMB assembly include attendance at the annual membership meeting at the ATS International Conference, and membership in our standing committees, the Planning Committee chaired this year by Jesse Roman, the Program Committee chaired this year by Charles Powell and the Nominating Committee chaired by Courtney Broaddus. Appointments to committees for the following year are made in February. Thus interested ATS members should contact Jesse or Cap towards the end of 2008. Members are also encouraged to submit proposals each year for Assembly Projects, and Symposia for the International Conference. As discussed at the recent ATS meeting, to encourage involvement and interactions among Assembly members, the Planning Committee under Jesse’s leadership is developing working groups in the areas of lung cancer, fibrosis and stem cells. The purpose of the working groups is to develop Assembly projects, publish position and review papers in these areas, to facilitate programming of Symposia and ultimately to generate and foster broad collaborations within our Assembly.

Thank you for your interest in the RCMB Assembly. The quality of the program at the International Conference and the role of RCMB depends directly on your involvement. We welcome you input and feedback. You can contact us at rcmb@thoracic.org.

Zea Borok, M.D.
RCMB Assembly Chair 2008-2010