The 8th ISZB Meeting
ISZB-2024

1-6 December, Merida, Mexico

SELECTION OF ORAL PRESENTATIONS IN PROGRESS

Our driving goal is to bring together scientists from a diversity of
fields with a common interest in the structural, biochemical, genetic
and physiological aspects that zinc ions bring to biology.

About The Event

WELCOME

On behalf of the ISZB board and of the local organizing committee, we wish to welcome you in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico for a week devoted to zinc in biology and to foster the cultural and scientific relationships between our specialized (metal-wise) and very diverse (otherwise) community. We are working hard to offer the best science in a magical corner of our planet. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any suggestions or questions.

Sean Bienvenidos a México!

Fanis Missirlis
Chair of ISZB2024

Who

International Society for Zinc Biology

www.iszb.org

Where

Fiesta Americana Mérida

Merida, Mexico

When

Sunday to Friday
1-6 December 2024

 

NEWS

The Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, JTEMB, is the official journal of ISZB - International Society for Zinc Biology.

ISZB2024 participants will have access to a Special Issue (Conference Proceedings) to submit work discussed at the Meeting (opens in October 2024).

JTEMB website

Scientific program

A printer friendly version can be downloaded here

Registration

Fanis Missirlis

SESSION: Official Opening

Chair Fanis Missirlis, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN - MX

Elias Aizenman

Welcome address from Local Organizing Committee

Elias Aizenman, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - US

Welcome address from Local Authority

TBA , -

Cinvestav Director

Declaration of Commencement of the 8th ISZB Meeting

Cinvestav Director, -

Christophe Den Auwer

Speciation of metal trace elements in living systems: a synchrotron-based approach

Christophe Den Auwer, Université Côte d'Azur - F

Teresa Woodruff

Conservation of regulatory zinc fluctuations in control of ovarian biology

Teresa Woodruff, Michigan State University - US

Nicolas Grosjean

Zng1 is a GTP-dependent zinc transferase needed for activation of methionine aminopeptidase

Nicolas Grosjean, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory - US

Michal Hershfinkel

The zinc receptor GPR39 fortifies epithelial barriers

Michal Hershfinkel, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - IL

Rubén Vicente

Zinc transporters and human evolution

Rubén Vicente, Pompeu Fabra University - ES

Reception

Registration

Setup posters

Teresita Padilla-Benavides

SESSION: Cell Biology

Chair Teresita Padilla-Benavides, Wesleyan University - US

Amy Palmer

Illuminating the cell biology of zinc

Amy Palmer, University of Colorado Boulder - US

Georgia Farr

Exploring a role for ZIP6 and ZIP10 in the dissemination of breast cancer cells

Georgia Farr, Cardiff University - UK

Sangyong Choi

Identifying the role of sodium-myo-inositol transporter 1 in zinc accumulation

Sangyong Choi, University of Connecticut - US

Oleh Khalimonchuk

ALS-linked mutations in zinc metalloppetidase Oma1 impair its activity and impinge on mitochondrial fidelity

Oleh Khalimonchuk, University of Nebraska - US

Yuta Amagai

ZIP7 controls zinc concentration and redox state in the ER

Yuta Amagai, Kyushu University - JP

Coffee break

Kathryn Taylor

SESSION: Cancer

Chair Kathryn Taylor, Cardiff University - UK

Samuel Jones

Combination treatment with ZIP6 and ZIP10 antibodies inhibits growth and regresses tumours highlighting their preclinical therapeutic potential in breast cancer

Samuel Jones, Cardiff University - UK

Monserrat Olea-Flores

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and Zn transport by ZIP11 shape functional phenotypes of HeLa cells

Monserrat Olea-Flores, University of Massachusetts - US

Ahmed Alzahrani

Exploring ZIP7 Phosphorylation and Its Role in Zinc-Mediated Activation of Oncogenic Signaling Pathways

Ahmed Alzahrani, Umm Al-Qura University - SA

Emil Rudolf

Zinc in glioma of long-term surviving patients

Emil Rudolf, Hradec Králové Charles University - CZ

TBA TBA

Title (O-15)

TBA TBA, -

Lunch (also: ISZB Board Meeting)

Wolfgang Maret

SESSION: Biochemistry

Chair Wolfgang Maret, King’s College London - UK

Sunita Ho

Clustering of Zn/S-species in Ectopic Biominerals at the Biological Interfaces in the Temporomandibular Joint and the Kidney

Sunita Ho, University of California San Francisco - US

Sarah Michel

Zinc Fingers and Reactivity: No Longer Innocent Bystanders

Sarah Michel, University of Maryland - US

Jim Liu

Endogenous Zinc Protoporphyrin Formation Critically Contributes to Hemorrhagic Stroke-induced Brain Damage

Jim Liu, Stony Brook University - US

Qun Liu

CryoEM structures of zinc uptake transporters

Qun Liu, Brookhaven National Laboratory - US

TBA TBA

Title (O-20)

TBA TBA, -

Coffee break

Richard Dyck

SESSION: Imaging

Chair Richard Dyck, University of Calgary - CA

Christoph Fahrni

Exploring zinc biology with fluorescent probes and chelators: Challenges and Opportunities

Christoph Fahrni, Georgia Institute of Technology - US

Sivakumar Sambandan

Zinc in neuronal synapses - quantitative aspects using high resolution imaging

Sivakumar Sambandan, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences - D

Alan Stewart

A novel FRET-based assay employed to examine the impact of serum albumin and fatty acids on insulin decomplexation

Alan Stewart, University of St Andrews - UK

WenHong Li

TBA

WenHong Li, University of Texas - US

Huiwang Ai

Next-Generation Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Indicators for Synaptic Zinc

Huiwang Ai, University of Virginia - US

Poster Session

Samantha Pitt, ISZB president

SESSION: Past ISZB Presidents’ Musings

Chair Samantha Pitt, ISZB president, University of St Andrews - UK

Toshiyuki Fukada

SESSION: Transporters

Chair Toshiyuki Fukada, Tokushima Bunri University - JP

Jian Hu

Transport mechanism and substrate specificity of ZIP metal transporters

Jian Hu, Michigan State University - US

Taiho Kambe

The importance of zinc in protein N-glycosylation

Taiho Kambe, Kyoto University - JP

Ayako Fukunaka

Physiological roles of ZIP13 in muscle and fat: Analysis of newly generated Zip13-genetically modified mice

Ayako Fukunaka, Gunma University - JP

Fudi Wang

Zinc transporters dictate multicellular functions

Fudi Wang, Zhejiang University - CN

Stefan Feske

ZIP transporters and T cell function

Stefan Feske, New York University - US

Coffee break

Elias Aizenman

SESSION: Neuroscience

Chair Elias Aizenman, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - US

John Weiss

Mitochondrial Zn2+ uptake and ischemic neural injury

John Weiss, University of California Irvine - US

Yan Qin

Probing the roles of zinc in axonal transport and tau displacement

Yan Qin, University of Denver - US

Gabriela Popescu

Of Zinc and NMDA Receptors

Gabriela Popescu, University at Buffalo - US

Richard Dyck

Zincergic neurons as mediators of cerebral cortical plasticity

Richard Dyck, University of Calgary - CA

Thanos Tzounopoulos

The role of synaptic zinc in neurotransmission and auditory processing

Thanos Tzounopoulos, University of Pittsburgh - US

Coffee break

ISZB Members Meeting

Lunch

Michal Hershfinkel

SESSION: Epithelia

Chair Michal Hershfinkel, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - IL

Christer Hogstrand

Dietary AHR agonists and zinc are conjoined regulators of intestinal epithelium permeability, and control proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells

Christer Hogstrand, King’s College London - UK

Matt Sweet

Harnessing macrophage-mediated antibacterial zinc toxicity in host-directed therapies

Matt Sweet, University of Queensland - AU

Maria Maares

Zinc deficiency adversely impacts mucus barrier formation in the intestinal tract and lung

Maria Maares, Technische Universität Berlin - DE

Jiemey Wang

The divergent roles of GPR39 in cardiovascular and metabolic tissues

Jiemey Wang, Wayne State University - US

TBA

Title (O-40)

TBA , -

Coffee break

Eduardo Brambila

SESSION: Nutrition

Chair Eduardo Brambila, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla - MX

Andrew Hall

The Effects of Increased Non-Intestinal Zinc Losses on Dietary Zinc Requirements for Older Adults and Individuals at Risk for Noncommunicable Diseases

Andrew Hall, University of California Davis - US

Chris Frederickson

The continuing search for a biomarker indicating zinc nutritional status

Chris Frederickson, University of Houston - US

Christopher Elitt

The role of zinc in white matter injury and brain development: from cells to humans

Christopher Elitt, Boston Childrens Hospital - US

Daniel Brugger

Interaction of zinc with macro and micro minerals in livestock models

Daniel Brugger, University of Zurich - CH

Luqing Zheng

Regulation of Zinc Homeostasis in Rice

Luqing Zheng, Nanjing Agricultural University - CN

Coffee break

Violeta Aburto-Luna
Linda Le

SESSION: Young Investigator Questions (science or career)

Chair Violeta Aburto-Luna, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla - MX

          Linda Le, University of Calgary - CA

Evening free

Chichén Itzá excursion

Evening free

Marcia Hiriart

SESSION: Physiology

Chair Marcia Hiriart, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - MX

Dianne Ford

Examination of tooth mineral patterns as a record of in utero and childhood exposure

Dianne Ford, Northumbria University - UK

Liping Huang

The story of Ziegler-Huang Syndrome (ZHS), a newly discovered bone marrow failure syndrome 8 (BMFS8) in humans

Liping Huang, USDA/ARS/Western Human Nutrition Research Center - US

Bertha Alicia León Chávez

Prophylactic administration of zinc and therapeutic administration of selenium at optimal doses in adult rats prevents long-term cognitive and behavioral sequels following a transient ischemic attack

Bertha Alicia León Chávez, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla - MX

Samantha Pitt

Zinc modulation of MG23 leads to altered cellular calcium responses in cardiac tissue

Samantha Pitt, University of St Andrews - UK

Anne Carlson

Seminal zinc regulates mammalian sperm

Anne Carlson, University of Pittsburgh - US

Coffee break

Lothar Rink

SESSION: Immunology

Chair Lothar Rink, RWTH Aachen University - DE

Hajo Haase

Free Zinc: keeping an eye on the bioavailable species

Hajo Haase, Technical University Berlin - DE

Lothar Rink

Zinc signal synergize with calcium signals in T cell activation

Lothar Rink, RWTH Aachen University - DE

Daren Knoell

ZIP8 Impacts the Gut-Lung Axis and is Required for Macrophage-Mediated Phagolysosomal Removal of Bacteria in the Lung

Daren Knoell, University of Nebraska - US

David De Oliveira

Exploring the utility of zinc-ionophores for the treatment of Acinetobacter baumanii lung infection

David De Oliveira, University of Queensland - AU

TBA

Title (O-55)

TBA , -

Lunch

Johana Vásquez-Procopio

SESSION: Model Organisms

Chair Johana Vásquez-Procopio, Instituto Tecnológico del Valle de Oaxaca - MX

Kerry Kornfeld

Lysosome remodeling during zinc storage and release in C. elegans

Kerry Kornfeld, Washington University in St. Louis - US

Nishi Rauth

ZIP7-mediated Zn2+ transport prevents neurodegeneration by enhancing ERAD

Nishi Rauth, University of California Santa Barbara - US

Bing Zhou

Comparative functional analyses of ZIPs/ZNTs in the fruit fly and mice

Bing Zhou, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology - CN

Andrea Battistoni

Evolutionary Conservation of Zinc-Mediated Nutritional Immunity Across Vertebrates and Insects in Host-Pathogen Interactions

Andrea Battistoni, Tor Vergata University of Rome - IT

Thomas O’Halloran

Quantitative Inorganic Phenotypes of Sperm and Roles of Zinc in Male Reproductive Health

Thomas O’Halloran, Michigan State University - US

Coffee break

Liliana Quintanar

SESSION: Bioinorganic Chemistry

Chair Liliana Quintanar, Cinvestav - MX

Alejandro Vila

Protein quality control in the bacterial periplasm triggered by zinc starvation

Alejandro Vila, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario - AR

Artur Krezel

TBA

Artur Krezel, University of Wroclaw - PL

Kelly Chacón

Spectroscopic investigations of a bacterial redox sensing Zn protein implicated in biofilm formation

Kelly Chacón, Reed College - US

Gabriele Meloni

Cargo selectivity, metal promiscuity, and translocation mechanism in transmembrane primary-active Zn(II) P-type ATPase pumps

Gabriele Meloni, University of Texas at Dallas - US

Alessandra Barbanente

Exploring the link between zinc storage and tryptophan metabolism using 19F NMR and bioinspired proteoliposomes

Alessandra Barbanente, Università degli studi di Bari Aldo Moro - IT

Poster Session

GALA dinner

Suggestion: Beach excursion

Free morning

Suggestion: Beach excursion

Violeta Aburto-Luna
Linda Le

SESSION: Young Investigators

Chair Violeta Aburto-Luna, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla - MX

          Linda Le, University of Calgary - CA

Kyle Enriquez

The vertebrate zinc metallochaperone ZNG1 is a critical contributor to host metal homeostasis and infection by Staphylococcus aureus

Kyle Enriquez, Vanderbilt University - US

Carlos Tejeda Guzmán

Two types of zinc storage granules are differentially distributed along the Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster

Carlos Tejeda Guzmán, Cinvestav - MX

Murtala Bello Abubakar

Prenatal zinc deficiency combined with postnatal high-fat consumption alters glucose metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster

Murtala Bello Abubakar, Sultan Qaboos University - OM

Stefania Nordio

Zinc cycle in the Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus

Stefania Nordio, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - IL

Diego Rolando Hernández Espinosa

Zinc chelation prevents ADAM17-mediated cleavage of CSF-1R and improves cortical tissue recovery after mechanical injury

Diego Rolando Hernández Espinosa, University of Pittsburgh - US

Daiana Capdevila

Metallomics ECR award: Zn-dependent transcriptional regulation in bacteria: Role of structure and internal dynamics in the evolution of Zn specific responses

Daiana Capdevila, Fundación Instituto Leloir - AR

Coffee break

Samantha Pitt, ISZB president

SESSION: Closing talks

Chair Samantha Pitt, ISZB president, University of St Andrews - UK

Chris Frederickson

Prelude to Chris Frederickson Award

Chris Frederickson, University of Houston - US

Samantha Pitt, ISZB president

Presentation of Chris Frederickson Awardee

Samantha Pitt, ISZB president, University of St Andrews - UK

Elias Aizenman

Chris Frederickson Prize Talk

2024 award winner: Prof. Elias Aizenman, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - US

Toshiyuki Fukada

TBA

Toshiyuki Fukada, Tokushima Bunri University - JP

Sponsors

Scientific Societies

Scientific Journals

Scientific Institutions

Scientific Companies

Event Venue

Event venue location info and gallery

Merida Airport to Downtown

Distance 5 miles (8 km) | 25 minutes

The MID airport code is used for Merida Airport with the ITAA, and MMMD ins the code for ICAO. When booking your flight to Merida, look for airport MID.

Registration & Abstract submission

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 15 SEPTEMBER 2024

SELECTION OF ORAL PRESENTATIONS IN PROGRESS

Regular Attendee
(Individual Accommodation)
$ 1,900

  • 6 nights, 3 lunches
  • Access to scientific sessions
  • Chichen Itza tour and access to other activities
  • Gala Dinner
  •  

  • ISZB member discount: $300
Regular Attendee
(Shared Accommodation)
$ 1,500

  • 6 nights, 3 lunches
  • Access to scientific sessions
  • Chichen Itza tour and access to other activities
  • Gala Dinner
  • Possibility to name roomate

  • ISZB member discount: $300
Regular Attendee
(NO Accommodation)
$ 1,100

  • 3 lunches
  • Access to scientific sessions
  • Chichen Itza tour and access to other activities
  • Gala Dinner
  •  

  • ISZB member discount: $300
 
Early Career Researcher Attendee
(Individual Accommodation)
$ 1,600

  • 6 nights, 3 lunches
  • Access to scientific sessions
  • Chichen Itza tour and access to other activities
  • Gala Dinner
  •  

  • ISZB member discount: $150
Early Career Researcher Attendee
(Shared Accommodation)
$ 1,000

  • 6 nights, 3 lunches
  • Access to scientific sessions
  • Chichen Itza tour and access to other activities
  • Gala Dinner
  • Possibility to name 2 roomates

  • ISZB member discount: $100
Early Career Researcher Attendee
(No Accommodation)
$ 700

  • 3 lunches
  • Access to scientific sessions
  • Chichen Itza tour and access to other activities
  • Gala Dinner
  •  

  • ISZB member discount: $100
 
Accompanying Person
(Shared Accommodation)
$ 1,000

  • 6 nights, 3 lunches
  • Access to scientific sessions
  • Chichen Itza tour and access to other activities
  • Gala Dinner
  • Possibility to name roomate

  •  

F.A.Q.

  • Becoming an ISZB member is simple! Please click on the following link and follow the instructions there. https://www.zinc-net.com/ISZB.html#membership

  • To commute from Cancun International Airport to the Fiesta Americana Mérida hotel , you have several options by land. Whichever option you choose, you'll have a scenic drive across the Yucatán Peninsula to reach your destination in Mérida.


    1. Bus. The ADO bus service is a reliable and comfortable way to travel between Cancun and Mérida.
      From the Airport: Take the ADO bus directly from the Cancun Airport to Mérida. These buses usually depart several times a day. The trip takes around 4 to 5 hours. You can check the ADO website or visit their counters at the airport for schedules and tickets: https://www.ado.com.mx/viajes/terminal-cancun-a-ciudad-merida-yuc
    2. Private Shuttle. Several companies offer private shuttle services.
      Booking: You can book these services online in advance. Some services allow you to pay per vehicle, which can be cost-effective for groups. Travel time is approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic. Several companies offer private shuttle services from Cancun Airport to Mérida. These shuttles provide a comfortable and direct way to travel between the two cities. Some reputable companies include: Cancun Shuttle, eTransfers, Happy Shuttle Cancun, CARM Tours & Transfers.
      Advance Booking: It's advisable to book your shuttle in advance to ensure availability and potentially secure better rates.
      Confirm Details: Make sure to confirm the pickup details, including the terminal at Cancun Airport and the address of your destination in Mérida.
      Check Reviews: Reading reviews from other travelers can help you choose a reliable and reputable service.
    3. Car Rental. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
      Rental Locations: There are several car rental agencies at Cancun International Airport. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and understand the local driving laws.
      Route: The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. The most common route is via the toll road (Autopista/Mexico 180D), which is faster and more comfortable.
    4. Taxi. Taking a taxi for such a long journey might be more expensive compared to other options but is convenient.
      Booking: Taxis can be booked directly at the airport. It's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand.
      Travel Time: The travel time is similar to that of a private shuttle, approximately 4 hours.
    5. Mayan Train. The trip takes around 3:30 h and there are several trains per day. Book in advance at the website.
      Comfort: For a long journey, ensure the vehicle or service you choose is comfortable, especially if traveling with luggage.
      Safety: Choose reputable services and, if driving, stay on well-traveled roads.
      Reservations: Booking in advance can save time and ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Transferring from Mérida International Airport (Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport) to the Fiesta Americana Mérida Hotel is quite straightforward. Choosing a taxi or rideshare is usually the most convenient and quickest option. If you prefer a more organized and comfortable transfer, booking a private shuttle or checking for a hotel shuttle service is advisable. Here are your main options:


    1. Taxi.
      Availability: Taxis are readily available at the airport.
      Duration: The ride typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
      Cost: Taxis from the airport have fixed rates; you can check the rate at the taxi counter inside the terminal.
    2. Rideshare Services
      Services: Uber and other rideshare services are available in Mérida.
      Booking: You can book a ride through the app once you have your luggage and are ready to be picked up.
      Cost: Usually cheaper than taxis, and the app will provide an estimated fare.
    3. Private Transfer Services
      Services: Several companies offer private transfers from the airport to your hotel.
      Booking: These can be booked online in advance or through your hotel.
      Cost: Prices vary depending on the service and vehicle type. It's usually a bit more expensive than taxis but offers added convenience and comfort.
    4. Hotel Shuttle
      Service: Some hotels offer shuttle services from the airport.
      Booking: Check with Fiesta Americana Mérida to see if they provide this service and book in advance if available.
      Cost: It might be complimentary or charged depending on the hotel policy.
    5. Car Rental
      Service: Several car rental agencies operate at Mérida Airport.
      Booking: You can rent a car upon arrival or book in advance.
      Cost: Varies by rental company and vehicle type. Consider the convenience of having your own vehicle versus navigating local traffic and parking.
      Directions to Fiesta Americana Mérida from the Airport: Exit the Airport, follow signs to the main exit where taxis, rideshares, and shuttles are located. Head north on Calle 23 towards Calle 21. Take the exit onto Av. Aviación/Carretera Mérida-Progreso/México 261. Continue on Av. Aviación and take Calle 60 to the hotel.

  • There will be a special issue from the official Journal of ISZB, the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, open to all registered attendees. Submissions will open in October 2024 and close in May 2025. There may be other special issues advertised at the meeting, but the abstracts will not be published separately.

  • During your registration you will be asked to choose between payment by credit card (which opens automatically the ability to submit your abstract) or through a direct bank transfer, where you will be asked to send by email proof of payment and the organizers will enable your access to the abstract submission system manually after they confirm receipt. Please note that for international payments the credit card system only accepts VISA or MASTERCARD.

  • Once you register to the meeting, you get a link to pay the fees and once payment is settled, you get a link to submit title and abstract of the work you wish to present. At this point you can indicate the sessions to which your work fits best and whether you prefer a poster or oral presentation.

  • The answer depends on your country of citizenship (passport) that you carry. A comprehensive response in English can be found from the Consulate of Mexico in China, where information for all countries has been listed: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/shanghai/index.php/english/visa-information

    IF YOU NEED A LETTER FOR VISA PURPOSES PLEASE WRITE TO iszb2024@cinvestav.mx SO THAT WE EXTEND ONE. If you have submitted an Abstract, please include the title of your abstract in your request.

  • Yes, the Hotel respects the same reduced price of US$160 per night for the rooms for 3 nights prior to the meeting and 3 nights after it ends. To reserve for extra nights, please email at iszb2024@cinvestav.mx stating your additional check-in and check-out dates. The additional (extra) payment will be arranged on an individual basis.