The EuroHear Consortium is organizing a meeting entitled The Structure and Operation of the Hair Bundle to be held at the College de France in Paris on the 27 28th April 2007.

The meeting will consider five topics:

-- The Stereociliary Cytoskeleton
-- Cell-surface Molecules and Cellular Polarization
-- Mechanoelectrical Transduction and Mechanics
-- Adaptation of the Transduction Process
-- Active Hair-bundle Motility


The meeting is meant to showcase recent developments and current controversies in this field. Each of the five sessions will include a specialist with detailed knowledge of the general principles and molecular mechanisms underlying the processes to be discussed. These processes include the formation of actin assemblies, membrane adhesion, ion-channel function, and mechanotransduction by invertebrates.



Each of the five sessions will include four presentations, including questions and answers. After a short refreshment break, these talks will be followed by a panel discussion, chaired by one of the five organizers, among the four speakers. The panel format will permit more detailed discussion of complex and controversial issues, and will include questions from the audience to be answered by members of the panel. In addition, a poster session will allow the presentation of additional material and informal interactions among researchers in the field.



With a full two-day program planned, participants are expected to arrive on Thursday, 26 April and to depart on Sunday, 29 April - or later should they wish to enjoy springtime in Paris!



If you would like to participate in this discussion meeting please contact Isabelle Geahel or Laurent Charvin: Meeting_HairBundleeurohear. Those wishing to present a poster on a relevant topic should indicate a tentative title. A registration fee of 350 euros will be charged on registration to cover meals and refreshments (250 euros for postdoctoral fellows, 150 euros for graduate students). The number of participants will be limited to 120. Early registration is therefore encouraged. 

This event is supported by the Ile-de-France Regional Council

eurohear