25Years of endothelin research: the next generation

Abstract

In the past three decades, endothelin and endothelin receptor antagonists have received great scientific and clinical interest, leading to the publication of more than 27,000 scientific articles since its discovery. The Thirteenth International Conference on Endothelin (ET-13) was held on September 8-11, 2013, at Tokyo Campus of the University of Tsukuba in Japan. Close to 300 scientists from 25 countries from around the world came to Tokyo to celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of the endothelin peptide discovered 25 years ago at the University of Tsukuba. This article summarizes some of the highlights of the conference, the anniversary celebration ceremony, and particularly the participation of next generation of endothelin researchers in endothelin science and the anniversary celebration. As a particular highlight, next generation endothelin researchers wrote a haiku (a traditional form of Japanese poetry originating from consisting of no more than three short verses and 27 on, or Japanese phonetic units) to describe the magic of endothelin science which they presented to the conference audience at the anniversary ceremony. The text of each haiku - both in its original language together with the English translation - is part of this article providing in an exemplary fashion how poetry can be bridged with science. Finally, we give an outlook towards the next 25 years of endothelin research.

GPCR signaling and cardiac function

“…Endothelin is a peptide hormone which contributes to myocardial contractility, arrhythmia development and cardiac remodeling (Rodriguez-Pascual et al, 2011;Emoto et al, 2014). There are two types of endothelin receptors, ET A and ET B , both GPCRs.…”

Physical Exercise Protects Against Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

“…The function of EDRF is majorly mediated by nitric oxide (NO) [9,10], which has been well studied in recent years and is majorly accepted as the most important endothelium-derived vasodilator. A critical vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 (ET-1), has long-lasting effects on vasculature, released from endothelium [11]. Besides, endothelial cells serve as a source of physiologically important molecules, such as prostacyclin (PGI2), thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (VWF), thromboxane A2 (TXA2), and tissue factor (TF) (Fig.…”

The Second Tomoh Masaki Award (2013)

“…To all young endothelin researchers (Emoto et al, 2014), Professor Goto said, he would like to send a message. This message (Fig.…”