Septins: Spatial Regulators of Cell Biology

This brand-new conference is focused on current research in the molecular and cell biology of septins, a large family of filamentous proteins with evolutionarily conserved roles in the spatial control of cellular morphogenesis and homeostasis. 

The program will examine septins as spatial regulators of molecular mechanisms and processes within cell membranes and the cytoskeleton (actin filaments, microtubules). It will also explore septin links and roles in disease pathogenesis and the translational applications of septin research for human health and society.

Goals and Takeaways:

· Global perspective on septins as an adaptive module for the spatial control and coordination of various cellular mechanisms and processes. 

· How to apply insights from a broad array of systems to their research through knowledge of shared and unique septin domains and structural motifs. 

· The process of formulating new hypotheses involving septin interactions, cytoskeletal components, and biological membranes.

· New in vitro and in vivo methods.

· Insight into the roles of septins in human and plant diseases, and how therapeutics might target septin proteins.

Program Topics

· Human and plant disease pathogenesis

· Animal and fungal cell morphogenesis

· Cell and organelle division

· Membrane organization, repair, and signaling

· Cytoskeletal organization and mechanotransduction

· Translational applications of septin research for medicine and world food security

Workshops

Daily Meet the Expert sessions will be held at lunch during the conference, providing early career researchers the opportunity to interact with senior scientists and speakers.

A Career Development Workshop will be led by researchers from different career stages in academic and non-academic tracks, offering insights and advice for career pathways.