At the core of lipid homeostasis lies the transport of cholesterol, which is essential for both membrane function and steroidogenesis. Prof. Peter Tontonoz will discuss his discovery of ER-resident proteins Aster-A, -B, and -C during his presentation. These proteins possess distinctive domains tailored for cholesterol binding and interaction with the plasma membrane. He will delve into how these proteins facilitate the transfer of cholesterol to the ER across different physiological conditions.

Thyroid hormone plays an essential role in all stages of pregnancy, from preparing for conception to childbirth. Maternal thyroid hormone is essential for fetal brain, nervous system, and bone formation and development. Complications related to pregnancy, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, increase when maternal thyroid hormone levels are insufficient. Prof. Susan Mandel will present a recent update on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease, a common clinical concern during pregnancy.

This session explores centuries of efforts by physicians to find safe and effective medications for normalizing body weight in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Prof. Matthias Tschöp's work on gut hormone multi-agonists has led to FDA-approved drugs, providing remarkable weight loss and unprecedented blood glucose control. The evolution of GLP-1 receptor agonists has redefined obesity intervention, with dual and triple agonists offering a multifaceted approach to weight loss by targeting multiple receptors. This lecture delves into the transformative impact of these multi-receptor drugs, reshaping the narrative of weight management by simultaneously activating different receptors for a nuanced and effective strategy in the battle against obesity.

Bone strength is not merely a product of its quantity and structure but also intricately tied to its quality. These attributes are shaped and upheld by the coordinated actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts on the bone surface, in conjunction with osteocytes embedded within the bone matrix. These specialized bone cells work together to regulate bone remodeling, ensuring its adaptation to mechanical demands and metabolic changes over time. Prof. Natalie Sims will deliver a lecture on the pivotal role of osteocytes in orchestrating these processes and controlling bone structure