EMBO Conference Series
Microtubules - Structure, Regulation and Functions
EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

Wednesday 2 June - Saturday 5 June 2010

Microtubules are of fundamental importance for an extraordinary variety of essential processes in all eukaryotic cells. In the 1980s, advances in light microscopy and the discovery of motor proteins catalyzed the expansion of microtubule cytoskeleton research. In the 1990s the discovery of GFP revolutionized the visualization of dynamic cytoskeletal processes inside cells. Over the years and especially recently due to the advent of proteomics, many nteractors of microtubules have been identified and we are approaching an exciting phase where complete knowledge of the components of the microtubule cytoskeleton appears within reach. Therefore, the focus of microtubule cytoskeleton research is moving from identification of components, their characterization in isolation, the consequences of loss of function for intracellular organization and dynamics towards a truly mechanistic description of the entire microtubule system and its regulation.

To achieve a systems-wide understanding of microtubule cytoskeleton behaviour requires a combination of different disciplines including biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology and mathematical modeling, and to exchange concepts developed in different scientific communities like in cell and developmental biology.

This conference aims at providing an overview of contemporary microtubule cytoskeleton research at all complexity levels, from atomic resolution to entire organisms and will be structured as follows:

(1) Molecules interacting with microtubules;

(2) Complex microtubule arrays and cell architecture;

(3) Microtubules in developmental processes and in differentiated structures.

The main objective of the conference is to bring together established scientists with young researchers from all over the world that have recently made exciting contributions to the microtubule field. The broad spectrum of interdisciplinary research approaches that will be represented will provide a unique platform and create a stimulating atmosphere encouraging not only the exchange of new discoveries, but also of novel emerging concepts beyond the limits of traditional disciplines.

Scientific Organisers

Carsten Janke, CNRS - Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, France

Michel Steinmetz, Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland

Thomas Surrey, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Conference Organiser

Adela Valceanu, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

Speakers
Confirmed Speaker

David Agard, University of California, USA

Anna Akhmanova, Erasmus Medical Centre, Netherlands

Claude Antony, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

Isabelle Arnal, CNRS - Interactions Cellulaires et Moléculaires, France

Charles L. Asbury, University of Washington, USA

Peter Baas, Drexel University, USA

Renata Basto, Institute Curie, France

Damian Brunner, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

Stan A. Burgess, University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Robert A. Cross, Marie Curie Research Institute, United Kingdom

Arshad Desai, University of California, USA

Marileen Dogterom, Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF), Netherlands

Pavel Draber, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic

Anne Ephrussi, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

Daniel W. Gerlich, ETH, Institute of Biochemistry, Switzerland

Gohta Goshima, Nagoya University, Japan

Gregg G. Gundersen, Columbia University, USA

Rebecca Heald, University of California, USA

Andreas Hoenger, University of Colorado, USA

Jonathon Howard, MPI-CBG, Germany

Didier Job, INSERM - Institut de Neurosciences, France

Alexey Khodjakov, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, USA

Andrea Musacchio, IFOM-IEO Campus, Italy

François Nedelec, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

David Odde, University of Minnesota, USA

Franck Perez, Institute Curie, France

Matthieu Piel, Institute Curie, France

Kenneth E. Sawin, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Michio Tomishige, University of Tokyo, Japan

Ronald D. Vale, University of California, USA

Kristen Verhey, University of Michigan, USA

Torsten Wittmann, University of California, USA

Linda Wordeman, University of Washington, USA
Keynote Speakers

Timothy J. Mitchison, Harvard Medical School, USA


Registration and Payment

We accept only online registration. Please visit our website to register.



Deadline for registration is 15 February 2010.

Registration types and fees:

Academia: 425 EUR
PhD Student: 375 EUR
Industry: 650 EUR

The registration fee includes on-site catering, conference material and local transportation. Participants are expected to meet their own accommodation and travel expenses.