Abstract

The 15th Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton Gordon Research Conference will connect researchers utilizing a diverse array of quantitative approaches to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms controlling the organization, dynamics and function of the cytoskeleton in model plant, fungal and bacterial cell systems. Topics in 2018 will include cell polarity, shape determination, mitosis, cytokinesis, cytoskeletal polymer (actin, microtubule, septin) organization and regulation, molecular motors and force production, cell wall construction and organization, membrane dynamics and function, cellular mechanics, self-organization, and morphogenesis. The meeting will once again highlight the stimulating integration of interdisciplinary researchers including geneticists, cell biologists, physicists, structural biologists, computational modelers and biochemists, which is required for a mechanistic understanding of cytoskeletal form and function. Cutting edge approaches will be emphasized in the 2018 meeting, emphasizing quantitative single molecule imaging, super-resolution microscopy, computational modeling, in vitro biochemistry and biophysics of reconstituted cytoskeletal networks, and genetic and cell biological manipulation. The program will consist of approximately thirty talks from invited speakers, another 12-15 talks from submitted abstracts, and many lively poster sessions. The meeting will provide scientists from all career stages with ample opportunities to present, network, discuss and brainstorm.