cell news 2/2013
32
the 4th "physics of cancer" symposium
leipzig, september 24 - 27, 2013
Like in the three meetings before, this year's meeting again intends to bring together researchers from the worldwide pioneering
groups that are concerned with investigating the physical mechanisms underlying cancer progression. As a special feature, the orga-
nizers have joined forces with the DGZ and announce the symposium as Special Interest Meeting of the DGZ.
aim of the Meeting
The analysis of physical properties of cells undergoing malignant transformation is a highly important and an emerging feld in cur-
rent cancer research, cellular biophysics, and cell biology. Recent fndings in this novel research feld revealed that biomechanical
properties of cancer cells promote tumor growth, cell motility and metastasis formation within the human body. In the focus of the
studies are certain observations regarding biomechanical properties: First, the actin cortex of cancer cells is pronouncedly softer and
hence supports elevated tumor growth and enhanced cell division. Second, although the actin cortex softens, the cancer cells can still
resist high pressures exerted from the microenvironment, which enables the primary tumor to break through the tumor boundaries
and invade into the surrounding connective tissue extracellular matrix. In return, components of the cytoskeleton are pronounced
which results in an overall stiffening of the primary tumor. Third, the ability to transmit and generate contractile forces of cancer
cells increases their aggressive potential to invade into the connective tissue microenvironment and promote tumor progression and
metastasis formation.
Finally, these novel insights have an impact on the understanding of how and why certain cancer cells get the ability to invade into
the human body and form metastases at targeted sites. Thus, we are convinced that this 4th Physics of Cancer Symposium will pro-
vide state-of-the-art research technologies, high-class knowledge and fruitful discussions.
Topics Include:
· Biomechanics (Biopolymers, Networks, Rheology, Cytoskeleton, Cell Shape)
· Forces, Motion, Adhesion (Cell Motility, Assembly, Molecular Motors, Cell Division)
· Oncology
· Imaging
Claudia T. Mierke, University of Leipzig, Germany
Josef A. Käs, University of Leipzig, Germany
Harald Herrmann, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
Valerie Weaver, University of California, San Francisco, USA
Registration fee: 200
€
– for DGZ members: 100
€
.
The number of participants is limited. Please, register early.
All participants are invited to apply for a short talk or a poster contribution by submitting an abstract.
Application deadline: August 23, 2013
For more information and registration, visit the conference website:
special interest Meeting of the
gerMan society for cell biology
