THE CHROMAFFIN CELL encloses a multitude of chromaffin vesicles — Structure of the mouse adrenal gland: Chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla (green) were labeled using an antibody against Tyrosine Hydroxylase. Image provided by the Geisler group.

Transmission electron microscope image of chromaffin cells — High-magnification transmission electron microscope images of mouse chromaffin cells show dense core vesicles containing neuropeptides and catecholamines. Image provided by Bhavani Shankar Sahu's laboratory.

STED Image PC12 cell — Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy image of PC12 cells stained for Chromogranin B (Cyan) and SNAP25 (Magenta). Image provided by Bhavani Shankar Sahu's laboratory.

About the ISCCB

The International Symposium on Chromaffin Cell Biology (ISCCB) is a biennial, international meeting dedicated to adrenal chromaffin cells and their broader relevance to cellular and neurobiological function. Established in 1982 on the island of Ibiza, the symposium has since rotated across countries worldwide, reflecting a diverse and active scientific community.

Each ISCCB brings together 120–180 participants from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia, with strong participation from early-career scientists. The program combines invited lectures with abstract-selected talks, poster sessions, and workshops, fostering open discussion, interdisciplinary exchange, and new collaborations across career stages.

Scientific vision of ISCCB 2027

The 23rd International Symposium on Chromaffin Cell Biology aims to unite the historical strengths of chromaffin cell research in secretion biology and excitation–secretion coupling with emerging directions in developmental biology, neuroendocrine disease, and advanced technologies. By integrating molecular, cellular, physiological, and translational perspectives, ISCCB 2027 seeks to foster interdisciplinary exchange while preserving the unique identity of the chromaffin cell community.

ISCCB 2027 will highlight the chromaffin cell as both a classical model of regulated secretion and a modern model for neuroendocrine development, stress adaptation, and disease.

Scientific themes span stress signaling and the fight-or-flight response alongside core principles of chromaffin cell physiology, including ion channels, receptors, intracellular signaling, membrane trafficking, vesicle fusion, and neurotransmitter release. Recent advances have expanded the field toward developmental biology, stem and progenitor cell populations, neuroendocrine tumors, organoid systems, and the role of chromaffin cells in stress physiology, metabolism, and disease.

Chromaffin cells continue to serve as a powerful model system for investigating fundamental principles of cellular communication, regulated secretion, and stimulus–secretion coupling across diverse biological systems. The meeting welcomes studies in related neuroendocrine and secretory systems, from neurons to endocrine and immune cells.

Methodological approaches range from electrophysiology, amperometry, and high-resolution imaging to single-cell transcriptomics, lineage tracing, genetically encoded sensors, advanced in vitro models, and computational analysis. By bringing together researchers employing diverse experimental and theoretical approaches, ISCCB provides a unique platform for exchanging ideas across disciplines.

The symposium’s goal is to facilitate scientific exchange, spark new collaborations, and support the next generation of researchers in chromaffin cell biology and related fields.