Elastic Tissues and Regulation of Growth Factor Signaling in Development, Homeostasis and Disease

Elastin, fibrillin microfibrils and an array of associated proteins form elastic fibers which are critical for the formation of the skin, vasculature, lungs, bones, tendons, eyes and other tissues. Additionally, these microfibrils and associated proteins provide extracellular regulation of growth factors such as TGFβ and BMPs. These signaling pathways are perturbed in many genetic diseases associated with mutations of these proteins. The "Elastin, Elastic Fibers and Microfibrils" Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is the premiere meeting that brings together scientists from different backgrounds to discuss all aspects of research on elastic fiber molecules and the roles that these systems exert in vertebrate development, tissue homeostasis and human disease. This conference is unique in the depth of its coverage of elastic tissue biology, spanning molecular properties of elastin, fibrillin and other proteins essential for the assembly and function of elastic fibers, matrix regulation of cell signaling, enabling technologies for elastic fiber analysis, the genetics and pathobiology of elastic fiber associated molecules in inherited and acquired disorders, tissue regeneration and translational medicine, as well as biomedical engineering. The Conference is preceded by a 2-day Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) organized by and featuring talks from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. All students and postdocs are strongly encouraged to attend both the GRS and GRC. There will be a number of opportunities for short talks at the GRS and GRC selected from submitted abstracts, providing a unique opportunity to present work to leaders in the field. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides an avenue for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Short Talk Deadline: Any attendees who wish to be considered for one of the short talk slots should make sure to submit an abstract by June 1.

Funding opportunities may be available based on participation.