Dynamic Cancer Biointerfaces: Linking Molecular Regulation to Cellular Function

Exploratory Workshop

20 November 2026 | 14:00–18:00 (Bucharest time)

International Centre of Biodynamics, Intrarea Portocalelor 1B, 060101 Bucharest

Cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, and immune evasion arise from complex interactions between molecular regulatory networks and the dynamic interfaces through which cells communicate with their environment. The cell surface, particularly the glycocalyx, plays an active role in molecular recognition, mechanotransduction, extracellular vesicle trafficking, and tumour–immune interactions. In parallel, advances in noncoding RNA biology have revealed intricate mechanisms governing cellular behaviour and intercellular communication. Yet, how molecular regulation translates into the evolving structural and functional properties of living cells remains insufficiently understood.

The workshop brings together researchers in cancer biology, glycobiology, RNA regulation, extracellular vesicles, biophysics, and advanced imaging to address four interconnected questions:

1. Molecular regulation of biointerfaces: How do noncoding RNAs and other regulatory networks shape the organisation and functional properties of the glycocalyx and cellular interfaces?

2. Intercellular communication: How do biointerfaces regulate extracellular vesicle formation, molecular cargo transfer, and communication between tumour, stromal, and immune cells?

3. Functional dynamics: How do changes in cellular interfaces affect tumour progression, immune recognition, and therapeutic response, and how can these processes be investigated through quantitative, time-resolved imaging and electro-optical approaches?

4. Multiscale integration: Can molecular profiling and dynamic cellular phenotyping be combined to uncover new mechanisms and identify therapeutic opportunities?

The overarching objective is to connect molecular regulation with the dynamic functional behaviour of cancer cells and their microenvironment, while identifying complementary expertise, shared research challenges, and opportunities for international collaboration, including future Horizon Europe proposals.

Workshop Format

The programme will include 5 to 6 invited lectures (approximately 30 minutes each) and round-table discussions (30–45 minutes) dedicated to scientific exchange, emerging research questions, and potential collaborative initiatives.

Participation is free of charge. The workshop is a purely scientific, non-commercial event, organised without external sponsorship.

Organizers

Eugen Gheorghiu George Calin Gradimir Misevich

ICB UT, MD ANDERSON BOKU