The aim of this satellite symposium is to bring together scientists who are involved at different levels with chitin-containing structures in Ecdysozoa, in order to gain an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying diversity through comparative perspectives.

To achieve this, scientists working on the ultrastructure, biochemistry, biophysics, and biomechanics of chitin-containing structures in Ecdysozoa will be invited, with the ultimate goal of obtaining a better understanding of the hierarchical assembly of cuticular layers from chitin-containing fibrils.

The regulation of synthesis and breakdown of cuticle components during molting will also be looked at comparatively, as well as the evolution of genes encoding chitin synthases, chitin-binding proteins, and chitin-modifying/degrading enzymes.

Highlights of the program:

• Introduction:
  Hans Merzendorfer
  University of Siegen

• Session I:
  Synthesis, modification and degradation of chitin in ecdysozian species

• Keynote Lecture
  Qing Yang
  Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China

• Session II:
  Chitin binding proteins and their functions in chitinous matrices

• Session III:
  Structural principles of cuticles of ecdysozoan species

• Session VI:
  Barrier functions of chitinous matrices in ecdysozoan species

• Keynote Lecture:
  Umut Toprak
  Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey

• Poster session and Poster Prize

Target audience

Professors, researchers, postdocs, and PhD students, with interest in evolutionary biology, biomechanics, biochemistry, or the study of chitin-containing structures, are welcome to participate in the stimulating environment for networking, learning, and contributing to the vibrant discussions.

Organisational matters

Lunch individually
04.00 pm – 04.30 pm Coffee break

Hans Merzendorfer
University of Siegen
Institut für Biologie, Molekularbiologie, Molekulare Physiologie