The Structure, Function and Evolution of Centromeres

The eukaryotic centromere provides the basis for chromosome inheritance through its activity as the kinetochore assembly site that enables mitotic chromosome interaction with the microtubule spindle. Centromeres were first described in the late 19th century and have been intensely studied for their essential role in genome inheritance. In addition to understanding chromosome segregation, centromeres have provided novel insight into the regulation of epigenetic states, checkpoint control of the cell cycle and chromosome evolution in eukaryotes. Centromere dysfunction causes chromosome missegregation during meiotic and mitotic divisions that can give rise to human genetic disease and aneuploidy.

This meeting brings together a diverse community of outstanding scientists interested in understanding how centromeres govern chromosome segregation and chromosome evolution. The approaches taken to these problems reflect the diversity of the community and include biophysics and structural biology, genetics, epigenetics and genomics, cell biology and theory. Centromere research at this meeting also embraces a broad spectrum of model systems that shed light on the unique structures and activities of centromeres that have emerged through evolution.

This meeting is highly collegial, lively, intense and also welcoming to junior scientists and trainees as many of the talks will be chosen from the submitted abstracts. Our goal is to bring together an interactive community of scientists with a shared interest in centromere biology to explore the latest developments in the field, to learn of new technologies and applications and to strengthen and foster interaction between scientists at all career stages.