Conference: 2000 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Germ Cell; October 5-8, 2000; Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spg Hbr NY

Investigators

Abstract

0074644 Grodzicker Germ cells are set aside from other types of cell early in development, and differentiate into functioning sperm and egg cells. To understand germ cell differentiation would be a major achievement in biology, and would provide important insights into infertility, contraception, human congenital diseases, germ line tumors, as well as the preservation of endangered species. The molecular basis of germ cell differentiation is beginning to be understood, due to major intellectual and technical advances. General mechanisms that unite both vertebrates and invertebrates are beginning to emerge. Six topics have been chosen for platform presentations: The early germ line; regulation of germ cell gene expression; cell division in germ cells; sperm differentiation; oogenesis and egg polarity; fertilization and germ cell function. Each will be organized and co-chaired by two experts in the topic, who will invite half the speakers, and select the other half from submitted abstracts. Platform presentations from young scientists will be encouraged. The meeting will facilitate interactions between scientists who study different model systems, and different aspects of germ cell differentiation. This meeting will provide a public forum for discussion of all aspects of germ cell research, from the primordial germ cell to the functioning gamete, in diverse model organisms. About 200 - 250 participants from all over the world are expected to attend. There are no competing meetings that are so wide in scope.