The EMBO Conference on Meiosis, the third in a series of EMBO-funded conferences, aims at bringing together leading experts in meiosis research, conveying up-to-date data and concepts, and promoting intense discussions to contribute moving this field ahead. The conference will cover the entire process of meiosis from meiotic entry through both meiotic divisions to the formation of haploid gametes. The two meiotic divisions fundamentally differ: meiosis II is similar – although not identical – to mitotic division, and meiosis I is unique. Meiosis I features specific chromosome structures like the synaptonemal complex and chromosome processes such as programmed DNA double-strand breaks, interhomolog pairing and recombination, telomere bouquet formation, obligate chiasmata, mono-orientation of kinetochores, and specific checkpoints not present in any other cell type or cell division. Meiocytes also harbor unique genome defense mechanisms that reduce the spreading and activation of "genome parasites" that threaten the fidelity of homologous recombination and genome haploidization. These features and processes need to be specifically regulated and controlled, and the conference will focus on the molecular basis of these mechanisms. The basics of meiosis are highly conserved throughout evolution, but certain features and processes are distinctly adapted in different organisms. The conference will cover a variety of model organisms, from yeast to non-vertebrate metazoa, to vertebrates and to man. Thereby it will address fundamental biological functions and molecular events as well as processes that are highly relevant for human health such as the generation of aneuploidy through meiotic errors. Particular emphasis will be given at this conference to meiotic progression and how the two meiotic divisions are controlled and executed.

Registration & abstract submission deadlines: 15 May 2013

Payment deadline: 30 June 2013