08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
The inaugural Fusion conference on ‘Membrane Contact Sites’ was held at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun, Mexico, 08 – 11 Feb 2024. The meeting was attended by 52 registrants.
The research topic covered by this conference is the burgeoning area of cell biology that investigates the intracellular formation of contacts between organellar membranes. These membrane contacts had been dismissed as artifacts for a long time but research between 1990 and 2000 on lipid transfer between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, as well as the transfer of Ca2+ between these two organelles proved their existence and clear function(s). Since those early days, membrane contacts have been shown to exist between virtually any organelle, each with their distinct functions. The conference was initiated by the organizers to recognize this vast array of membrane contact types and their individual, wide-ranging significance for disease. The conference included presentations covering contacts between the ER, endosomes, lipid droplets, lysosomes, nucleus, and mitochondria. Speakers showcased the diverse functions of these contacts for neurons, liver, and muscle, using yeast, fly, zebrafish and human model systems and their role in cancer, neurodegeneration, liver disease and infection. Several speakers and poster presenters highlighted novel tools to visualize these contact sites. Remarkably, all the presentations showcased unpublished results, providing an excellent basis for the formal and informal scientific discussions that were held in the conference room as well as during the informal discussion time.
A special focus of the meeting was the inclusion of junior investigators, some of which will establish their labs later this year, but also of established researchers who have entered the field only recently. Poster and short talk prizes were sponsored by Fusion and the journal “Contact” (SAGE Publishing), which covers this topic. A review series on the conference is forthcoming this year and will be published by “Contact”. The conference featured 22 long talks and 11 short talks, each of outstanding quality. The poster session and all common dinners were very well attended and led to many new scientific collaborations.
A highlight of the meeting were of course the magnificent beach and pool facilities, which further promoted interaction between new and established researchers, as well as trainees in a non-formal environment. Everything was under the competent supervision of the Fusion conference team, and in particular Rosie Johnson the lead organiser. On the last evening, participants mingled on the beach dancefloor while being entertained by a highly skilled local band.
This meeting stands out from the other ones in the field because of its attention to newly established investigators and to the nascent areas of membrane contact sites biology that are less showcased in other meetings. We believe that these two aspects, combined with the relaxed environment that fosters scientific collaborations and discussions make this meeting unique and a must-attend for people in the field.
Due to this success, this conference will become a series under the guidance of Fusion, and we look forward to the next meeting in early 2026.
Thomas Simmen (University of Alberta) & Luca Scorrano (University of Padua)
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
The research field of interorganelle contacts is one of the most rapidly growing areas of modern cell biology. It is becoming clear that many, if not all, organelles form membrane contact sites (MCS) with other components of the cell. The term ‘MCS’ broadly describes a physical interaction between two organelles, occurring at specialized subdomains of the given organelle and involved in multiple facets of the biology of the two organelles that are juxtaposed. MCS discovery forced cell biologists to reconsider the way organelles are studied, introducing the concept that heterotypic organelle interaction allows functions that individual organelles would otherwise be unable to perform and forcing them to think in terms of compartmentalized metabolism and signaling.
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity for students! Fully paying 'single' or 'shared' registrants can bring a student for only $960. Unfortunately, Postdocs are not eligible. Both registration packages include; accommodation for the 08, 09, 10 Feb 2024 (on a shared basis for students) and an all-inclusive food and beverage package for the conference period. Once registered, please contact Rosie to obtain a special registration link for your student.
Iannis Aifantis (NYU School of Medicine)
MITOCHONDRIAL ADAPTATIONS AS A MECHANISM OF CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE
Fabien Alpy (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Strasbourg)
REGULATION OF INTER-ORGANELLE CONTACTS BY PHOSPHORYLATION
Ilana Berlin (Leiden University Medical Center)
ER-ENDOSOME MEMBRANE CONTACT SITES AS GUARDIANS OF ORGANELLE HOMEOSTASIS AND DYNAMICS
Ivan Bogeski (University of Göttingen)
CALCIUM AND REDOX SIGNALS AT ORGANELLAR INTERFACES GOVERN CANCER CELL PATHOBIOLOGY
Maria Bohnert (University of Münster)
ROLES OF THE LIPID DROPLET ORGANIZATION (LDO) MACHINERY IN ORGANELLE INTERPLAY
Sabrina Büttner (Stockholm University)
TETHERING LIPID DROPLETS TO THE VACUOLE TO PROMOTE LIPOPHAGY
Michelangelo Campanella (Queen Mary University of London)
FORM AND FUNCTION OF THE NUCLEUS ASSOCIATED MITOCHONDRIA (NAM)
Francesco Cecconi (Danish Cancer Institute)
ADSL AT THE CORE OF PURINOSOME/MITOCHONDRIA CONTACT SITES
Elizabeth Conibear (University of British Columbia)
TARGETING YEAST BRIDGE-LIKE LIPID TRANSFER PROTEINS TO MEMBRANE CONTACT SITES
Isabelle Derré (University of Virginia)
MEMBRANE CONTACT SITES AND CHLAMYDIA INFECTIONS
Sabrina Diano (Columbia University)
LIPIDS METABOLISM DRIVES AgRP NEURONS AND FEEDING
Ginny Farias (Utrecht University)
COMPLEX INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE ER AND DIFFERENT CELLULAR COMPONENTS IN NEURONAL POLARITY
Gyorgy Hajnoczky (Thomas Jefferson University)
IP3 RECEPTOR TETHERING OF ER TO THE MITOCHONDRIA
Angelika Harbauer (Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence)
LOCAL TRANSLATION AT ORGANELLAR CONTACT SITES IN NEURONS
Melina Heuzè (Institut Jacques Monod)
THE ER TETHER VAPA IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER CELL MOTILITY AND ANCHORS ER-PM CONTACT SITES TO FOCAL ADHESIONS
Andrew Kowalczyk (Penn State University)
INTERCELLULAR JUNCTIONS: ORGANIZERS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM MORPHOLOGY AND DYNAMICS
Giovanna Mallucci (Altos Labs)
PERK-ATAD3A INTERACTION PROVIDES SUBCELLULAR SAFE HAVEN FOR MITOCHONDRIAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS DURING ER STRESS
Christopher Obara (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)
MOTION OF VAPB MOLECULES REVEALS ER-MITOCHONDRIA CONTACT SITE SUBDOMAINS
Luca Pellegrini (University of Ottawa)
William Prinz (UT Southwestern Medical Center)
FUNCTIONS OF BRIDGE-LIKE LIPID TRANSFER PROTEIN (BLTPS) IN MEMBRANE HOMEOSTASIS AND CELL PROLIFERATION
Anne Spang (University of Basel)
SMALL GTP BINDING PROTEINS AS REGULATORS OF MEMBRANE CONTACT SITES
Cell biologists from academia. Industry interested in MCS as a drug space. The conference aims at being useful from students to faculty to staff scientists. No prior knowledge is required.
The objective of this meeting is to bring together the scientific community interested in MCS.
The identification of how to study MCS, of their role in metabolism, biology of the involved organelles, signalling and disease will shed new light on the role of MCS in cell pathophysiology.
This meeting aims at bringing the audience up to date on:
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
Iannis Aifantis
NYU School of Medicine
Fabien Alpy
Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Strasbourg
Ilana Berlin
Leiden University Medical Center
Ivan Bogeski
University of Göttingen
Maria Bohnert
University of Münster
Sabrina Büttner
Stockholm University
Michelangelo Campanella
Queen Mary University of London
Francesco Cecconi
Danish Cancer Institute
Elizabeth Conibear
University of British Columbia
Isabelle Derre
University of Virginia
Sabrina Diano
Columbia University
Ginny Farias
Utrecht University
Gyorgy Hajnoczky
Thomas Jefferson University
Angelika Harbauer
Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence
Melina Heuzè
Institut Jacques Monod
Andrew Kowalczyk
Penn State University
Giovanna Mallucci
Altos Lab
Christopher Obara
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Luca Pellegrini
University of Ottawa
William Prinz
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Anne Spang
University of Basel
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
Ticket Type | Early Bird | Full Price |
---|---|---|
Single
Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone, or if you will bring accompanying guests that will not attend the meeting.
|
$2174 | $2275 |
Shared
Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex.
|
$1930 | $2031 |
Student
Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the Single option.
|
$1829 | $1930 |
Adult
$785
Child
$218
Adult
$333
Child
$73
All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.
Our registration fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel during the conference period only:
- Conference registration
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (08, 09, 10 Feb 2024) on a single or shared basis
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner
- 24 hour room service
- Guest room mini bar (replenished daily)
- Complimentary WIFI in both conference rooms and your guest room
Our accompanying adult fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (08, 09, 10 Feb 2024) on a shared basis with a conference participant
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner
- 24 hour room service
- Guest room mini bar (replenished daily)
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room
Important Note: Accompanying guests are not permitted access to the conference.
Our accompanying child fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel during the conference period only:
- 3 nights’ fixed accommodation (08, 09, 10 Feb 2024) on a shared basis with the parent/s
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- Gala Dinner
- 24 hour room service
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room
Important Note: Accompanying child fees are applicable for children aged 5-12 years. Children 4 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun).
Please kindly ensure your child / children are supervised at all times during conference and related events. Childcare services are available at the hotel, please contact Rosie for further information.
Our extra night fees are inclusive of the following at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun hotel:
- 1 night’s accommodation for 1 person
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at all restaurants according to their operational hours
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages, cocktails and soft drinks available by the glass at all restaurants and bars according to their operational hours
- 24 hour room service
- Guest room mini bar (replenished daily)
- Complimentary WIFI in your guest room
Important Note: The extra night price is only applicable 1 night pre/post the conference dates. If you wish to extend your stay further, this is possible to book via Fusion, but please contact Rosie for assistance and prices. Extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 5-12 years. Children 4 years or younger stay free of charge with a parent. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun)
Prices and hotel availability are subject to change without notice.
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
Please see below opportunties for financial support for students, short talk, and poster presenters. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Conference Manager, Rosie Johnson.
We have set aside several $600 grants to support short talk and poster presenters. To be considered, please email Rosie with an abstract for poster or short talk consideration, and a short statement as to why you would benefit from attending.
Applications are now closed.
We have also allocated some funds towards childcare support. This is available for those with young children who may not otherwise be able to attend. To find out more information, please email rosie@fusion-conferences.com.
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
The Membrane Contact Sites Research Network is an excellent platform to connect with fellow attendees and likeminded researchers prior to the conference.
The Linkedin Group is designed to bring together the global community of researchers and scientists interested in the study of MCS, including imaging to omics, MCS components and regulators, transfer of second messengers at MCS, compartmentalized biochemical reactions at MCS, MCS in organelle biology, MCS in cell signalling and MCS in disease. The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics.
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
This stylish hotel features contemporary Mexican architecture, including one of the largest and most impressive thatched-roof "palapas" in the entire country. There are cultural activities, arts and crafts and sports programs to keep you constantly entertained, plus time to relax and enjoy the Mayan culture, soak up the Caribbean sunshine and revel in the international ambiance that settles in after the sun goes down.
Throughout your stay delegates will enjoy a full meal plan, inclusive of beverages. Take your pick from the aromatic Asian delights at Kaumbu, traditional fare at El Mexicano, delicious international cuisine at Kalmia Buffet or perhaps sample the sumptuous Italian dishes at Rosato. There are also several other dining opportunities such as the Cevichería, Pizzeria, Sushi Corner, pool and lounge bar areas. The Gala Night with either a Mayan or Caribbean theme takes place on the third evening of the conference with a mouth-watering feast of local cuisine, an open bar and amazing local entertainment. We welcome all delegates and their accompanying persons to the Gala Night – a truly fun filled night not to be missed!
Hotel facilities include a lagoon pool, gym, spa, complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel, convenince store, kids club, room service, laundry services (with extra charge) and beach.
Venue Rating
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Address
Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive Blvd. Kukulcan km 16.5 Zona Hotelera 77500 Cancun Q.R. Mexico
Nearest Airport
Cancun International Airport
Cancun is a delightful combination of natural beauty, islands, ecological reserves and white sandy beaches. However, besides sun, sand and sea, this destination also offers an infinite variety of underwater activities to choose from: the diving, snorkelling and fishing here are outstanding and you will find an undersea world packed with tropical fish that live on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Sports enthusiasts might choose one of the many eco-tourism activities, such as cycling or hiking through the tropical forest or kayaking through mangroves, or something a little more adventuresome, like zip lining through the treetops.
Apart from the more well-known ancient Mayan archealogical sites such as Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá you may like to visit the Aktun Chen caverns, voted one of the Top 10 underwater walks by National Geographic described as a truly magical experience.
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
Cancun International Airport is approximately 15 minutes from the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun. Unlike other airports, Cancun airport transfer services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your arrival and return transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth journey without delays.
If you wish to share a return transfer to the airport then we would suggest waiting and organising this on-site at the hotel. The hotel have registered Taxi's readily available- you simply need to speak to the Bellmen/Concierge on the day of your departure. This will allow attendees to share return transfers with others who have similar flight times.
One way (Cancun Hotel Zone): $24.85+ (USD)
*subject to change, please check the Cancun International Airport website for a more accurate estimation for your trip.
Further information on Taxi services can be found on the Cancun International Airport website (see below link) along with some top tips for travellers from local experts and official authorities.
https://www.cancunairport.com/taxi.html
There are many alternative transportation companies operating in the Cancun area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. The following companies are well reviewed on Trip Advisor and quotations can be obtained and bookings can be made directly via their websites.
Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
Several activities are available within the resort. Timetables vary daily so please check with the hotel for the latest activities program.
There are also many other activities, trips and excursions to consider in and around the local area, depending on the time you have available. Please find a few suggestions below:
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
Group activity information will be available approximately 3 months prior to the conference, so come back soon!
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
We have several oral opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a talk, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.
Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.
If you are accepted for a talk, we recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches. Regular programme updates will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab on the conference website.
On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to our AV technician who will be present in the conference room. We advise running through your presentation at least 30minutes prior to your session commencing to ensure your slides and any videos or animations appear as expected. We prefer our speakers to run their presentation from the master PC or Mac, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop then please notify us prior to the session. A HDMI or VGA cable is usually available on the podium.
Our AV technician will apply your microphone and provide a combined slide advancer and laser pointer.
We ask all speakers to adhere to their time slots and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters as their time decreases.
Please make sure your presentation adheres to the following guidelines.
Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9)
File Type: Please save your presentation in PPT, PPTS or Keynote format.
Download Abstract Template08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
We have several poster opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a poster presentation, please register for the conference and upload your abstract when prompted to do so. You will be able to monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account and you will also receive an email if you are successful or unsuccessful.
Please use the abstract template provided (see below) and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length.
Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.
Please bring your poster to registration and hand this to a member of the Fusion team. They will advise of your poster number and display your poster for you.
Your poster will remain on display for the duration of the conference, allowing presenters to take advantage of the refreshment breaks and free time for valuable networking opportunities, in addition to the official poster session.
Please check the programme and note the date and time of the poster session(s). Your poster will be judged during the poster session and prizes will be awarded at the Gala Dinner.
Posters will be taken down by the Fusion team and will be ready for collection at the Fusion desk on the final day of the conference.
Download Abstract Template08 Feb 2024 - 11 Feb 2024
Cancun, Mexico
Chairs
If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can sign up for updates here and our team will keep you updated regarding deadline reminders and grant opportunities relating to this meeting only.
All personal data submitted herein are processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation.