09/01/2026
*** 2nd Membrane Contact Sites Conference ***
Where? Playa Mujeres, Mexico
When? 04 - 07 November 2026
Chairs? Luca Scorrano and Thomas Simmen
Save the Date! Registration & Abstract Submission Now Open!
Interorganelle communication has become a central theme in contemporary cell biology, revealing that virtually all organelles establish membrane contact sites (MCS) with one another. These specialized subdomains bring organelles into close apposition without fusion, enabling the direct exchange of molecules, the coordination of metabolic pathways, and the integration of signaling events. The discovery of MCS has reshaped long-standing views of organelle autonomy, highlighting instead how cellular architecture is grounded in interconnected compartments. Heterotypic organelle interactions support functions that neither partner could achieve independently, advancing our understanding of spatially organized metabolism, signaling fidelity, and organelle homeostasis.
The meeting will guide participants toward an up-to-date understanding of:
-The tools and methods used to study MCS, including state-of-the-art imaging, proteomics, and functional assays;
-The molecular composition of MCS and the regulatory mechanisms that govern their formation and dynamics;
-The roles of MCS in organelle biology and cellular homeostasis, with emphasis on metabolic coordination and signaling as well as emerging findings on new types and functions of MCS
-The potential of MCS as a novel therapeutic space, highlighting opportunities for drug discovery in both rare and common diseases.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Early Bird: 07 May 2026
Talk Submission: 07 May 2026
Poster Submission: 07 August 2026
Registration: 07 August 2026
Full information available on:
Biennial international 2026 Membrane Contact Sites Conference in Mexico. Register now to apply for short talk and poster opportunities.
