Dr Daniel Johnson
The Open University, UK

Dr Nordine Helassa
University of Liverpool, UK

Heart disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Until recently, arrhythmias, an irregular rhythms of the heart, were thought to be driven by dysfunction of cardiac myocytes alone. However, work over the last 10 years has started to show that the myocyte does not act alone and is highly influenced by its surroundings. For these reasons, this two day Physiological Society meeting organised by Dr Daniel Johnson, The Open University, UK and Dr Nordine Helassa, University of Liverpool, UK, will provide a unique and timely opportunity to get together in person to discuss the extremely important topic of cell–cell interactions and links to arrhythmia and disease formation.

This conference will give us a chance to hear from a diverse programme of speakers, ranging from early career researchers to established professors, discussing myocyte interactions with various cell types, including fibroblasts, adipocytes, neurons and immune cells.

Furthermore, a number of presentations will discuss the potential of different models to investigate the effects of cellular heterogeneity in this field, including the use of cardiac organoids and slices as well as work in the computer modelling field. The overall aim of this symposium is, therefore, to provide a platform for the discussion of cutting-edge issues in this field such as the cellular structural basis, intercellular signalling, physiology and pathophysiology.

In addition to the scientific programme, we hope to be able to offer an exceptional social programme that will allow researchers to network and cross-pollinate ideas while catching up with friends and colleagues, with the hope of re-establishing old working partnerships as well as discussing new ideas for future collaborations. The conference will take place in Liverpool, a city with fantastic transport links and which is known for pioneering buildings, its maritime history, as well as the music of The Beatles! Therefore, this meeting provides a unique opportunity for the community to “Come Together”.

Registration is open from 1 March until 21 August 2023, with abstracts being accepted throughout the month of May. We hope to welcome you to Liverpool in September!

physoc.org/events/the-physiological-society-event-cross-talk-of-cells-in-the-heart/