[Coral-List] ICRS session: What are the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and its breakdown during bleaching?

[Katie Barott]

Dear colleagues,

We would like to invite you to submit abstracts for our session on
cnidarian symbioses. As a reminder, abstracts are now due Sept 15!

Theme 7: Scalable observations and technologies

Session title: *What are the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying
cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and its breakdown during bleaching?*

Session description:
A major goal of coral biology is to better understand the genetic and
cell-biological bases of how cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbioses are
established and maintained, and how they break down under stress. Such an
understanding would provide a solid foundation for attempts to mitigate the
effects of stress and promote coral-reef conservation. In recent years,
modern sequencing technologies have led to an abundance of transcriptomic
and genomic studies of corals, which have resulted in many intriguing
hypotheses about the mechanisms of interest. However, these hypotheses need
rigorous testing before they can contribute reliably to conservation
efforts. This session will focus on the latest advances in our
understanding of cnidarian cell biology, including the major technological
developments that are contributing to our ability to experimentally test
these hypotheses. First, the development of model systems, such as the
small sea anemone Aiptasia, the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea, and coral
cell culture, has allowed studies that would be difficult or impossible in
corals themselves. Second, the application of advanced microscopy methods
to the cell biology of cnidarian symbioses has facilitated examination of
in vivo dynamics and micro-scale interactions. Third, and particularly
revolutionary in its potential, is the application of new genetic methods,
such as those based on CRISPR/Cas9, which enable generation of mutants that
allow for rigorous examination of gene and protein function. The session
will attempt to summarize both the state of the art in regard to the
relevant technologies and the progress in biological understanding that has
been made to date by applying these technologies.

Abstract submissions:
http://www.icrs2020.de/program/call-for-abstracts/

See you in Bremen!
Katie Barott and Phil Cleves (Session chairs)

--
Katie L. Barott, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
University of Pennsylvania
www.barottlab.com