Exploring morphogenesis and patterning of gastruloids with imaging and biophysical tools

Workshop organized by 

Pierre-François Lenne, Matthias Merkel, Sham Tlili (Marseille), 

Alfonso Martinez Arias, Vikas Trivedi (Barcelona)

Contact: gastruloidsbiophysics2023'AT'gmail'DOT'com

Dates: 27-28 Nov 2023, 

Venue: IBDM, Campus de Luminy, 13009 Marseille France

Motivation

Since their introduction about ten years ago, gastruloids have attracted much attention, as these embryonic organoids recapitulate major processes of early mammalian development. They show striking similarities with their in vivo counterparts regarding gene expression patterns and morphogenesis of organ primordia. 

To understand the mechanisms of gastruloid formation, we need to understand both morphogenesis and patterning, and thus cell movement, shape changes, and differentiation. This requires the combination of several experimental techniques, including (1) single-cell sequencing, (2) multiplexed stainings (mRNA and protein), and (3) advanced microscopy, such as light-sheet or two-photon microscopy. We also need to include in this toolkit perturbative methods that have been recently developed, such as (4) stress sensors to measure tissue mechanical properties and (5) micropatterning and microfluidic devices to perturb tissue signaling. Finally, analyzing these experiments at both the tissue and cell scale necessitates methodological efforts in (6) image analysis, such as cell segmentation and tracking, and (7) biophysical modeling of the coupling between genetics and mechanics in these tissues.

To discuss these challenges and the current efforts to tackle them, our workshop aims at encouraging:

- discussions between researchers in the field

- exchange of published and unpublished information

- discussion of respective advantages and drawbacks of different approaches

- links between different scales: molecule, cell, tissue

- new approaches to data analysis

- new collaborations

Eligibility

This informal workshop is open to a maximum of 30 scientists from all backgrounds (biologists, physicists, mathematicians or computational scientists), who are performing (or intend to perform soon) research on the biophysics of gastruloids. Early-career scientists (Ph.D. students and postdocs) are strongly encouraged to participate. The selection of participants will aim at balancing the approaches, backgrounds and fields of research. A few seats could be kept for researchers in related fields.

Program 

The workshop will host a maximum of 30 participants for two full days to encourage direct discussions and potential collaborations between the different groups.  The activities will include 

• chalk talks, rather than video projections 

• collective participation rather than having invited speakers

• discussions where participants will assign a timekeeper and a secretary to take notes.

Registration

Registration is free but mandatory. 

Please send before June 15th (in a single document) by e-mail to gastruloidsbiophysics2023'AT'gmail'DOT'com

- Name and surname:

- Lab and institution:

- A short CV (10 lines max):

- Achievements in the field if applicable (10 lines max):

- Motivation to participate in the workshop (10 lines max):

- Do you need alternative wifi (other than eduroam) ?
- Any comments or information useful for the organizers: 

Acceptance will be notified by the end of July.

Practical details

• Travel and accommodation: Participants are responsible for finding their accommodation in Marseille.

• Internet connection: for academic participants: eduroam is available at the venue, but you must register at your home institution in advance; if you need an alternative wifi, please let us know on the registration form.

• Food: we will offer coffee breaks and lunches (please indicate in the application file if you need a special diet).