Mechanotransduction in Physiology and Disease

Organizer(s): Martin A. Schwartz, Alpha Yap and Christopher S. Chen

Supported by the Directors' Fund

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Summary of Meeting:

Cellular responses to physical forces drive morphogenesis, regulate normal physiology, and contribute to pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, osteoporosis and deafness among others. There has been considerable progress in recent years toward identifying molecules involved in mechanotransduction, including ion channels, cell adhesion receptors, cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix molecules. Progress has also been made toward measuring and defining in vivo forces, understanding cellular effects of forces, and understanding their roles in pathogenesis. However, much remains to be learned about molecular mechanisms of transduction and transmission, and the biological consequences. Additionally, limited communication between biologists, biophysicists, engineers and clinicians/translational researchers has slowed progress. The goals of this meeting are therefore: (1) to present major, recent advances in mechanotransduction; and (2) to foster multidisciplinary interactions. The meeting will address major mechanistic questions in the context of relevant clinical problems, integrating engineering/biophysics, cell biology, and physiology/disease into each session whenever possible.

Scholarship Deadline: September 18 2008

Discounted Abstract Deadline: September 18 2008

Abstract Deadline: October 21 2008

Discounted Registration Deadline: November 18 2008

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