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Some of the most fascinating biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue regeneration and the physiological integration of body functions, rely on a network of cell–cell communication pathways.

Although the molecular players in cell–cell communication have long been known from genetic studies in model systems, many of the underlying mechanisms only now are beginning to be deciphered. Within this area, cell-surface receptors function like air-traffic controllers, integrating inputs from the cell’s exterior and interior to trigger signal transduction pathways, leading to specific cellular responses.

This track will focus on emerging mechanisms in cell-cell communication, particularly how cell-surface receptors interpret mechanical stimuli, how signaling molecules are controlled by less well understood post-translational modifications and how signaling polarizes cells and tissues. The track will showcase diverse modern approaches to understanding cell signaling, ranging from structural to organismal biology.

Keywords: mechanobiology, structural biology, post-translational modifications, signal transduction, receptors, ligands.

Who should attend: cell biologists, biochemists, structural biologists and developmental biologists, and particularly grad students and postdocs interested in emerging themes and state-of-the-art methodology in cell–cell signaling research.

Theme song: “Hotel California” by the Eagles. Once you come to our session, you will not want to leave.

This track is powered by communication.