Dynamics of Cell Polarity

Polarity endows cells with the ability to create specialized structures and surfaces, make connections with other cells to form dynamic tissues, and divide asymmetrically to produce daughters of different potential and fate. Cell polarity is therefore critical for development, homeostasis, and regeneration, and loss of polarity contributes to diseases such as kidney disease and cancer. The field of cell polarity has seen a surge in interest that includes research into a wide variety of topics using many different model systems. Recent technical advances, particularly in high-resolution live imaging at length scales from individual proteins to entire organisms, promise to fuel the field into new directions. The subtitle of the 2022 meeting, "Dynamics of Cell Polarity", reflects the focus of the meeting on this exciting new frontier.

The Cell Polarity Signaling GRC has been held biennially since 2014 (with the 2020 meeting rescheduled to 2022). The 2022 meeting will feature 30 invited speakers studying diverse aspects of cell and tissue polarity in plants, fungi, a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animal models, and cultured cells. Additional talks selected from the submitted abstracts and four poster sessions will allow attendees to share their latest research. The meeting will begin with an evening keynote session, and will be followed by sessions on polarity dynamics, polarity transitions during development, polarity and morphogenesis, polarity and the cytoskeleton, polarity transitions during disease, and polarity in asymmetric divisions and stem cells.

A Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), organized by and for trainees, will immediately precede the GRC. The GRS will assemble 40-50 trainees and a small number of more senior researchers to present and discuss their latest findings in the cell polarity field. The GRS and GRC will be held on the scenic campus of Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire, with transportation available from nearby Boston. Together the 2022 Cell Polarity Signaling GRS and GRC will provide an interactive and engaging environment to share the latest research in the broad and dynamic field of cell polarity.