MCSs stick the landing
Membrane contact sites, or MCSs, represent the ultimate intracellular duct tape — binding organelles together within eukaryotic cells to promote growth. Enabled by tethering proteins, MCSs are a coordinating nexus that fosters intermembrane exchange and signaling.
As conduits for lipid and small metabolite transfer between organelle membranes, MCSs are key regulators of metabolism. As structural elements linking intracellular membranes, MCSs control membrane organization and protect against membrane stresses. As platforms for important signaling receptors, MCSs initiate cellular responses to regulatory or environmental cues.
The recognition of MCSs as key regulators of cell growth is underscored by new discoveries of MCS function in cellular disease and infection.
Keywords: Membrane contact sites, membrane stress, mitochondrial regulation, nonvesicular transport, lipid transport, membrane structure, lipid metabolism, lipid regulation.
Who should attend: Â鶹´«Ã½É«ÇéƬ cell biologists and membrane biochemists who marvel at how membrane dynamics regulates metabolic function and organelle organization.
Theme song: by Lionel Richie
This session is powered by the unsung heroes of membrane and lipid research.
Submit an abstract
Abstract submission begins Sept. 14. If you submit by Oct. 12, you'll get a decision by Nov. 1. The regular submission deadline is Nov. 30.
Membrane contact sites
Regulation of lipid transfer and metabolism at membrane contact sites
Hongyuan Yang, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Jen Liou (chair), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Alexandre Toulmay, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Arash Bashirullah, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Membrane signaling at membrane contact sites
Thomas Simmen (chair), University of Alberta
Jay Tan, University of Pittsburgh
Alissa Weaver, Vanderbilt University
Chi-Lun Chang, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Specialized membrane contact site functions
Isabelle Derré, University of Virginia
Aaron Neiman, Stony Brook University
Christopher T. Beh (chair), Simon Fraser University
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition monthly and the digital edition weekly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Science
Science highlights or most popular articles
Can a hair-loss drug prevent heart disease?
With the approved medication finasteride, researchers in Illinois may have found a new way to kill two birds with one stone.
These proteins have been secretly managing your cells
Scientists have long known that histones spool DNA and help regulate genes. They may be doing a lot more.
At the Salton Sea, uncovering the culprit of lung disease
Scientists have long suspected a link between the dust and poor respiratory health. According to recent findings, the prime suspect is a naturally occurring toxin.
From the journals: MCP
The importance of sharing proteomics data. Detecting nitrotyrosine-containing proteins. Analyzing yeast proteasomes. Read about these recent articles.
Using a network to snare the cause of kidney disease
A microfluidic device that mimics blood capillaries may help in early detection, and proper measures could reduce the risk of renal failures.
All about cholesterol
The latest science on how blood levels of HDL, LDL and more relate to cardiovascular health.