Synopsis
Organelle interactions are critical for cell and tissue function, and crosstalk between networks is required to properly join metabolic pathways compartmentalized within distinct organelles. Dysregulated organelle networks are increasingly implicated in cell dysfunction and disease mechanisms, including inflammation. For example, lysosomal dysfunction can perturb mitochondrial activity, leading to metabolic impairment and the release of alarmins/damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that trigger inflammatory signaling cascades. This interdisciplinary meeting will bring together experts working on organelle biology, metabolism, immunity, metabolic and neurologic diseases, and aging to advance understanding of organelle communication mechanisms in homeostatic and pathological settings.
Key Sessions
Interactive talks and panel discussions will cover the following topics:
• Mitochondria-Endosome-Lysosome Crosstalk and Quality Control
• Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Contacts
• Organelle Crosstalk in DNA Damage Responses
• Organelles in Innate Immune Signaling
• Organelle Dynamics in Anti-Pathogen Immunity
• Organelle Communication in Metabolic and Inflammatory Diseases and Aging
• Organelle Communication in Neurological Disorders and Neurodegeneration
Target Audience
• Cell biologists studying organelle dynamics in physiology and disease
• Researchers interested in mitochondrial biology and mitochondria-mediated inflammation
• Immunologists studying organelle control of innate immunity and inflammatory signaling
• Clinicians and translational biologists interested in organelle crosstalk in human diseases and aging
Educational Need
Despite growing appreciation for inter-organelle communication in health and disease, there are few avenues for researchers to come together and develop a wholistic understanding of organelle crosstalk in biology and disease. The goal of this meeting is to stimulate the cross-fertilization of ideas between scientists working in diverse areas of organelle biology, inflammation, and disease to nucleate new collaborations and shape research questions in this rapidly advancing field. Moreover, this meeting will be an exceptional opportunity for students, postdocs, and junior group leaders to meet leading researchers in various fields (i.e. organelle dynamics, mitochondrial biology, innate immunity, metabolic disease, aging, etc), while building mentoring networks and receiving feedback on their ongoing work.