EMBO | EMBL Symposium Microtubules: from atoms to complex systems

Symposium Overview
The microtubule cytoskeleton is essential for a wide variety of cellular functions, such as chromosome segregation, directed vesicle and organelle transport, cell motility and cell polarity. Impaired microtubule function can lead to human diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, where microtubules serve as important therapeutic targets. In recent years, interdisciplinary approaches embracing cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology and mathematical modelling have made a tremendous impact on microtubule research.

The progressive diversification of the microtubule field has created the need for a strong meeting that unifies the community and brings together researchers from different disciplines interested in microtubule research. This role has been played by this conference series, which was initiated in 2010. Our meetings bring together early-career and established researchers from all over the world who are interested in fundamental microtubule biology and its impact on organism development, homeostasis and disease. As in our previous meetings, this new symposium will feature inspirational keynote and landmark lectures, a large number of short talk opportunities selected from the submitted abstracts, and lively poster sessions, as well as special activities for networking and advancing EMBO global initiatives.

Session Topics
Patterning of microtubule arrays
Microtubule-based control of cell architecture
Microtubule motors and their regulation
Microtubule biophysics
The tubulin code
Microtubules in neurons
Microtubules in cell division