Phase Transitions in Cellular Signaling and Disease

This inaugural conference on biomolecular condensates will bring together experts in biophysics, structural biology, cellular and molecular biology, and drug discovery to explore cutting-edge advancements and identify key challenges in the field. The meeting will highlight the latest research on condensate formation, their role in health and disease, and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Biomolecular condensation is a fundamental process that shapes cellular function, regulates genome organization, and influences disease progression. Recent discoveries in this rapidly evolving field have generated significant interest across biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computational sciences. These have driven efforts to establish a rigorous framework for understanding phase transitions in cellular signaling, stress responses, and nuclear organization.

The program sessions will explore the biochemical and biophysical principles that govern condensate function and their role in disease. It will also explore RNA's role in phase separation, which regulates signal transduction and stress responses, and emerging strategies to modulate biomolecular condensates for drug discovery.

Attendees will learn about:

· The emerging science of biomolecular condensates in cellular signaling and their role in neurodegeneration and cancer.

· In vitro reconstitutions and cell culture models can reveal data on biophysics, biochemistry, and biology of condensates from single-molecule level to mesoscale.

· Novel approaches to engineer macromolecular phase transitions in reprogramming cell biology.

· New perspectives on how condensate science is catalyzing approaches in drug discovery.

Program Topics

· Molecular language of condensates

· Condensate metastability, aging, and amyloids

· RNA-driven phase transitions in biomolecular condensates 

· Emerging technologies to study biomolecular condensates

· Condensates in neurodegeneration

· Phase transitions in chromatin organization, gene regulation, and cancer

· Reprogramming cell biology via engineered condensates 

· Condensate-targeted drug discovery 

Workshops

In our series of Meet the Experts sessions, attendees will engage with leading researchers in an informal setting to discuss advanced scientific topics, career strategies, and emerging trends in the field. These sessions provide unique opportunities for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and professional networking.

A Career Development Workshop will feature an interactive panel discussion, exploring career pathways in academia, industry, and publishing. Experts will share insights on navigating career transitions, funding, and building a successful research program.