Gradient sensing and directed cell locomotion, known as chemotaxis, is fundamental to the proper development and functioning of eukaryotic organisms. During early development, chemotactic movements are involved in gastrulation and generation of the trilaminar embryo. Later in development, neuronal guidance is critical for appropriate wiring of the central and peripheral nervous systems. After birth, directed cell migration is critical in normal physiology and in pathology. A crucial function for gradient sensing and directed cell migration is in immune responses. The migration of immune cells through the body during surveillance as well as directed migration towards sites of infection and disease is dependent on chemotactic responses. Chemokines are major regulators of leukocyte migration, and understanding the mechanisms by which their receptors are able to regulate cell motility and direction sensing is critical to understanding how the body enhances and controls immune responses. There are also many pathological examples of gradient sensing and directed cell migration. In the immune system amplified responses to signals can give rise to abnormal inflammatory responses in diverse disorders including asthma and rheumatic diseases. Uncontrolled migration is also a key factor in the progression of cancer. Tumor cells leave original lesions and migrate to distal sites guided by chemoattractants.

There are important parallels between the mechanisms that contribute to cell migration during development, leukocyte trafficking, wound healing and cancer. For many of these conditions, including tumor invasion and metastasis therapeutic options are limited. It is therefore important to have scientists from these diverse disciplines meet to discuss these questions and identify parallel mechanisms that contribute to directed cell migration in diverse systems. This conference will foster new multidisciplinary approaches, and will bring together international leading scientists and young scientists in an atmosphere that encourages scientific exchange.

Planned sessions include (1) Directed cell migration in complex systems, (2) Migration in development and wound healing, (3) Inflammation and leukocyte trafficking, (4) Cell signaling in chemotaxis, (5) Cell polarity and motility in the immune system, (6) Cell polarity and the cytoskeleton in directed cell migration, (7) Modeling and bioengineering in directed cell migration, (8) Directed cell migration in cancer, and (9) Neuronal polarity and growth cone guidance. The combination of speakers and topics has been selected with the specific intention of stimulating new ideas and collaborations in the field of chemotaxis research. The session speakers will emphasize novel unpublished results directly related to gradient sensing and directed cell migration in diverse fields. Young investigators will be encouraged to present and discuss their findings in a supportive environment, by inviting up to 15-20 additional speakers from submitted abstracts and by holding four poster sessions. Scholarships will be offered to encourage participation by young scientists, women and underrepresented minorities.