Gradient sensing and directed cell locomotion, often referred to as chemotaxis (for motile cells), is fundamental to the proper development and functioning of eukaryotic organisms. For unicellular organisms, chemotaxis is used for finding food sources and for mating. For example, Dictyostelium and Paramecium utilize chemotaxis towards gradients of compounds released from food bacteria to move towards food sources. Yeast, although it does not move, detects gradients of mating factor and extends mating processes towards potential mating partners releasing the factors. Dictyostelium also uses chemotaxis for associating to form a primitive multicellular structure - the fruiting body.

For multicellular organisms, beginning with fertilization, chemotaxis guides sperm cells to the egg. During early development, chemotactic movements are involved in gastrulation and generation of the trilaminar embryo. Later in development, neuronal guidance is critical for appropriate wiring of the central and peripheral nervous systems. After birth, directed cell migration is critical in normal physiology and in pathology. A crucial function for gradient sensing and directed cell migration is in immune responses. The migration of immune cells through the body during surveillance as well as directed migration towards sites of infection and disease is dependent on chemotactic responses of both antigen-presenting cells and responding cells.

There are also important pathological examples of gradient sensing and directed cell migration. In the immune system amplified responses to signals can give rise to abnormal inflammatory responses. In asthma, for example, basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells migrate into the airways and generate inflammation. Metastatic cells can use migration to leave primary tumors and colonize target organs.

The goals of the meeting are:

• To bring together the leading researchers on eukaryotic chemotaxis
• To provide an interactive format for high quality presentation and detailed discussion of the most recent discoveries in the field
• To cross-fertilize the range of disciplines and systems in which eukaryotic chemotaxis is studied
• To inspire new collaborations between modeling and experimentation to drive the field forward
• To develop opportunities for junior investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to meet with leaders in the field
• To foster the involvement of women, diverse groups of minorities and handicapped individuals who are interested in studying chemotaxis

The format of the conference is designed to break researchers out of their traditional molds of focusing on a specific system or organism and promote cross-fertilization that will move the field forward. Sessions will be organized according to a "module" or sequence of related events that contributes to gradient detection or directed cell movement. Thus the latest ideas and data in multiple systems will be presented together, provoking comparisons and stimulating discussion. The morning sessions will also have short talks (10 minutes presentation, 5 minutes for discussion) that will be selected from poster abstracts of applicants or posters at the meeting. The posters will be presented in late afternoon and after the evening sessions with refreshments available to stimulate discussions.