Dynamics and Encoding in Signal Transduction

PROJECT SUMMARY Cell communication research is a growing field that is complimentary to, but distinct from, traditional signal trans- duction fields. This emerging field emphasizes the spatiotemporal aspects of cell communication and quantitative understanding of how information transmission and processing occurs. A central focus on the field is to under-

stand exactly what distinguishes “normal” and “disease” cell signaling behavior in terms of spatial and temporal details. There are at least 80 labs worldwide that use live cell imaging, genetically encoded biosensors, compu- tational image analysis, and mathematical models to determine modern quantitative concepts for cell communi-

cation. However, there is not a currently existing “home” conference for biomedical scientists working in this field, limiting cross-fertilization of shared higher-level concepts across the many pathways studied in the field, including immune signaling, receptor-mediated signal transduction, gene expression, cell cycle, and metabolic signaling

pathways. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a conference which can bring together the diversity of groups in the cell communication field to share ideas and development of work focusing on how cell communication occurs normally and is perturbed by disease. To address this need, we are facilitating a new conference, the

2024 Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling FASEB Scientific Research Conference. For the first time, we will bring together in-person an international community in the cell communication field. To accomplish this, we aim to (1) provide structure for an emerging research field by establishing and building relationships and collab-

orations between senior scientists and early career researchers through networking opportunities and a speaker lineup including both early career researchers and established leaders. This includes 20 trainee talks over the course of the conference. Lightening talks will highlight trainee posters and encourage interactions and network-

ing at poster sessions between trainees and established investigators. We aim to (2) provide trainees with knowledge, networks, and mentors for career opportunities through meetings and networking opportunities with established researchers in both industry and academia. This first iteration of the meeting will aim to (3) create

new models by connecting researchers interested in related concepts across biologically different signaling and regulatory systems, providing opportunities for researchers to think outside the typical boundaries of their work and find new insights from colleagues in parallel fields. We will also aim to (4) promote access to new image

analysis and modeling technologies by emphasizing the latest technical advances in these areas. The confer- ence will also highlight the diversity of the field as out of our 31 invited speakers, 13 are women and 10 are from institutions outside the United States. Altogether, the Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling FASEB Scientific

Research Conference provides a much needed and exciting forum for the cell communication field and will en- able cross-disciplinary collaborations and insights into cell function and behavior that is not currently possible.