Cell-Cell Junction Functions, Polarity and Morphogenesis

Cell-cell contacts exert profound biological effects during both health and disease. Mechanisms promoting or modulating cell-cell contact promote sessile versus motile cell phenotypes, physically integrate cells into tissues, transduce forces that shape tissues and organisms, and pass signals across the plasma membrane. Many of the molecules involved are tumor suppressors or oncogenes, and further include host cell targets that allow for the entry of bacteria, viruses and parasites. Major challenges include increasing our understanding of the processes involved at the molecular level, and determining how such protein complexes or signaling pathways are integrated at the cell, tissue and organismal levels.

The 2009 Gordon Research Conference on Cell Contact & Adhesion will examine conceptual and experimental advances in our field, including relationships with emerging research areas. Focus areas will include cell polarity and morphogenesis. We seek to complement mechanistic analysis with the full spectrum of invertebrate, vertebrate and cellular systems necessary for functional analysis. We will continue to advance long-standing interests in cadherin and catenin based adherens junctions, as well as the biology of desmosomes, and tight and gap junctions.

As a stand-out meeting in this field, we aim to promote an environment that welcomes young investigators/ trainees from diverse backgrounds (note fellowship opportunities on GRC homepage), while encouraging established scientists to embark on novel questions. In addition to invited presentations, most sessions will include speakers selected from the submitted abstracts. The conference format consists of morning and evening lecture sessions, and by design provides ample time for discussion and interaction between junior and senior scientists during afternoon poster sessions, communal meals and other social events. All attendees are highly encouraged to submit an abstract and to present a poster. We look forward to your application, and to a vibrant scientific interchange at our conference’s new and appealing location - Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, USA.