Biological Filaments: Structure, Dynamics and Function

31 January - 1 February 
Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter

Organised by Kirsty Wan and Bertram Daum.

Overview

Biological filaments are central to a plethora of biological processes, ranging from muscular activity at the macroscale to cellular motion at the microscale. A comprehensive understanding of their function requires cutting-edge approaches that transcend the traditional boundaries of science. This workshop aims to stimulate fresh conversations and forge new interdisciplinary networks between biologists and physicists aiming to elucidate the structure, dynamics, and function of biological filaments using diverse and state-of-the-art techniques. Bringing together world-leading experts, as well as ECRs from this broad and vibrant field, we aim to drive transformative discoveries into the underlying principles governing the diverse function of biological filaments as essential building blocks of life.

We are excited to announce a 2-day workshop entitled Biological filaments: Structure, dynamics, and function which will take place at the Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK from Wednesday 31 of January 2024 to Thursday 1 of February 2024.
The aim of this workshop is to foster a network of physicists and biologists researching biological filaments across scales and from different conceptual, technical, and disciplinary angles.

Programme

Wednesday 31st Jan 2024 
9:30 -  Welcome by Kirsty and Bertram  
Session 1 – Structure and function of bacterial and archaeal filaments  
9:40 Vicki Gold, University of Exeter - A new twist on bacterial type IV pili 
10:00 Sonja-Verena Albers, University of Freiburg, Germany - Structure and function of archaeal cell surface filaments 
10:20 Matt Gaines, University of Exeter - CryoEM of motile and biofilm-forming archaeal surface filaments  
10:35 Coffee break
11:00 Morgan Beeby, Imperial College London - Three stories about evolution of biological filaments as propellers 
11:20 Marcus Taylor, MPI for Infection Biology - The Super-molecular machines of the innate immune system: understanding how they work to building new ones
11:35 Panel discussion
12:00 Lunch  
Session 2 – Dynamics and coordination of swimming filaments 
​12:50 Michael Gomez, King’s College London - Twist dynamics of bacterial flagella
13:05 Eric Keaveny, Imperial College London - Coordinated motion of active filaments
13:25 Benjamin Friedrich, TU Dresden, Germany - Synchronization of cilia and flagella
13:45 John Severn, University of Cambridge - Modal analysis and optimisation of swimming active filaments
14:00 Maria Tatulea-Codrean, University of Cambridge - Swimming with bacterial flagella: too many cooks spoil the broth
14:15 Panel discussion
14:40 Coffee break + Group photo
Session 3 – Future Strategy of PoLNet and the role of ‘disruptive’ research 
15:00 Mark Leake, University of York  
16:15 Poster Session with wine and nibbles  
19:00 Dinner at Southgate Hotel  

Thursday 1st Feb 2024 
Session 4 – Surface-based motility 
9:30 Mack Durham, University of Sheffield - Bacteria use chemical and mechanical stimuli to guide pili-based motility across surfaces
9:50 Marco G. Mazza, Loughborough University - Gliding motility of filamentous bacteria  
10:10 Hannah Laeverenz-Schlogelhofer, University of Exeter - Bioelectric control of ciliary dynamics in a walking single cell.
10:25 Orkun S. Soyer, University of Warwick - Dynamics of gliding motility in a filamentous cyanobacterium  
10:45 Panel discussion 
11:10 Coffee break 
Session 5 – Group activity
11.30 Defining the grand challenges in the field 
12:20 Lunch 
Session 6 – Filaments in multicellular systems 
13:15 Danielle Paul, University of Bristol - Nature’s own coaxial cable  
13:35 Mitya Pushkin, University of York - The chiral core of the collagen microfibril
13:55 Isabella Guido, University of Surrey - Cytoskeletal active networks under external mechanical stimulation.
14:10 Coffee break
14:30 Anders Aufderhorst-Roberts, University of Durham - A cell-free approach to remodel and mechanically probe intermediate filament networks
14:45 Alexandra Brand, University of Exeter - Penetrative filamentous growth behaviours of the fungal pathogen, Candida albicans 
15:05 - Panel discussion 
15:30 Kirsty and Bertram Closing remarks and best poster prize. 

Venue 

By train
Exeter has two railway stations - Exeter St David's (main station) and Exeter Central. Exeter St David's Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Streatham Campus and taxis are available. The average journey time from London Paddington is 2 hours 30 minutes to Exeter. See Streatham Campus map for the walking route.
Use National Rail Enquiries to plan your route. For passenger information phone 08457 484950.
By plane
Direct flights operate into Exeter Airport and some airports in the United Kingdom.
Taxis from the airport can be pre-booked from Apple Central Taxis, previously Gemini Taxis. The journey takes approx 1.5 hrs.
Alternatively you can fly to Bristol Airport. Taxis from the airport can be pre-booked from Apple Central Taxis (see above) or you can use the train service to Exeter St David’s via Bristol Temple Meads. See the National Rail website for details.
Another option is to fly to London Heathrow Airport. Use the Heathrow Express to London Paddington and then take a train from there to Exeter St David’s (this will be the Great Western Railway Service to Exeter, Paignton, Plymouth or Penzance). See the National Rail website for details.
Hotels
There are a number of hotels in town (about 15-20 minute walk from the university), participants should book early to avoid disappointment. Some suggested hotels (including approximate prices) are shown below. There are also a number of B&Bs in the area (Queens court, the Clock Tower, Raffles Hotel etc).

• Premier Inn Exeter Central – £61 per night
  (0.7 miles to conference venue, 0.6 miles from city centre,)
• Mercure Exeter Rougemont – £102 per night
  (1 mile to Conference Centre, 0.2miles to City Centre, right opposite Exeter Central Station,)
• Leonardo Hotel Exeter – £120 per night
  (1.1 miles to Conference Venue, 0.5 miles to City Centre)
• Hotel Indigo – £102 per night
  (1.2 miles to Conference Centre, 0.1 miles to city centre,)
• Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel – £213 per night
  (1.4 miles to Conference Venue, 0.2 miles to City Centre,)
• Holiday Inn Express Exeter City Centre – £78 per night
  (1.5 miles to Conference Centre, 0.3 miles to city centre)
• Hotel du Vin Exeter – £104 per night
  (1.5 miles to conference venue, 0.3 miles from city centre)

Contact

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kirsty Wan  [email protected].