2nd Membrane Contact Sites Conference

Memo

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. By addressing these educational gaps, the conference will equip attendees with the knowledge needed to incorporate MCS-centered perspectives into their own research programs and to advance the field as a whole.