Mechanical Basis of Cellular Function

The Gordon Conference on Motile and Contractile Systems provides a major forum for integrating new developments in cytoskeletal components and their roles in cell motility, intracellular transport, cell division, cellular polarity and organization, and development. This meeting brings together investigators using a wide variety of experimental approaches including structural, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, modeling, biochemical, molecular and genetic techniques and those studying a wide variety of cell types. It affords the opportunity for investigators in actin and microtubule mediated cytoskeletal processes, nucleoskeletal function and prokaryotic cells to interact with each other. This meeting brings together scientists interested in understanding sub-cellular polymers in a variety of systems using different techniques and building physically accurate models. Significant technological advances have fueled studies demonstrating cross-talk between these nanopolymers and deeper understanding of how these polymer systems work in the world of the cell. The "Motile and Contractile Systems" Gordon Research Conference serves a critical role in facilitating the exchange of ideas between investigators working in overlapping disciplines. Several poster presenters will be selected for short talks. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides ample opportunity for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations.