The eighth Salivary Gland and Exocrine Biology Gordon Research Conference is the preeminent multi-disciplinary conference in these fields. It will continue the highly successful conference series that has brought together investigators at the forefront of salivary, lacrimal, pancreas and exocrine gland research, including basic, translational, and clinical researchers, with promising young scientists and experts from associated fields. We aim to bring together a diverse group of leading scientists into a single forum to present and discuss their latest unpublished results. A major goal is to prioritize future research directions in all aspects of the biology and pathobiology of exocrine glands and their secretions, along with related diagnostic and therapeutic advances.

This meeting will facilitate collaborations between groups with different strengths, but with intimately related interests. The program will highlight current research issues and state-of-the-art scientific approaches relevant for all investigators engaged in salivary gland and exocrine biology research. To these ends, the program will include researchers using a number of model systems to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in glandular development and exocrine function. These include signal transduction, gene regulation, proliferation and apoptosis, protein and fluid secretion, and the control and regulation of secretion. The role these processes play in the initiation and progression of "exocrineopathies", such as Sjogrens syndrome, dry eye, and pancreatitis, will be included, as well as the immunology and genetics of Sjogrens syndrome. We also plan to include presentations on exocrine gland tumor biology and rare diseases of exocrine glands. Importantly, the therapeutic regeneration of exocrine tissue using gene therapy and stem/progenitor and iPS cells will be addressed. Additionally, the program will include researchers using a systems biology approach to investigate exocrine biology and glandular secretions, including advances in genomic, proteomic, and other “-omics”.

A few abstracts will be selected for shorter oral presentation in the weeks preceding the conference to ensure that the oral program includes exciting new advances. To encourage the participation of young investigators we will award a number of travel fellowships for students and postdoctoral fellows based on their submitted abstracts. To be considered for a travel award, abstracts must be submitted by Jan 16, 2011.