Title: LCAM-FEBS  Advanced course“Functional imaging of cellular signals”
Date: 11-16 June 2017
Location: LCAM-FNWI, -NKI & -AMC
Contact: Mark Hink
Previous editions: 2015 & In the Footsteps of van Leeuwenhoek (bi-annual)
Sponsor:  Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS)

Introduction:This is a special edition of the annual “In the footsteps of van Leeuwenhoek course”.

The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their environment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Errors in cell signaling are responsible for many diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and diabetes. By understanding cell signaling, diseases may be treated effectively and, theoretically, artificial tissues may be created. Microscopic techniques can be used to elucidate signal complex composition, organization and dynamics, as this reflects the functions of cells and their organelles.

Because of the recent technological revolution in advanced light microscopy (i.e. functional imaging of molecules, development of caged compounds and biosensors) it is now possible to directly monitor the dynamics of (single) molecules in living cells. Several new microscopy techniques are ideally suited for studying cellular signals but their application remains limited because most biologists have never been introduced to these technologies. This practical advanced course will be organized to provide students in this field the theoretical background and give hands-on experience of state-of-the-art microscopy techniques.
The practical sessions will cover several microscopy techniques to study molecular complexes in biological systems, such as: