Gastrointestinal Tract XXII: Molecular and Cellular Advances Towards Discovery and Treatment

For over 40 years, this biennial conference has focused on the biology and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This year, attendees will explore the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of GI epithelial biology, focusing on the interplay between the host and microbes, emphasizing the neural control of GI functions, and delving into the causes of mucosal inflammation, neoplasia, immune responses, as well as future therapies and translational applications. Sessions integrate cutting-edge technological developments in single-cell and spatial omics, in vitro organoid/organ-on-chip platforms, in vivo models, and genetic analysis/artificial intelligence (AI) to connect mechanisms with disease.

Across five days, attendees will hear keynotes, invited talks, junior-selected talks, flash talks, and posters organized around: neurobiology of gut function; engineering and translational use of organoids; upper-GI disease pathogenesis (esophagus/stomach); stem cell dynamics and epithelial plasticity; mucosal immune responses and translational implications; how host and microbial metabolism regulates homeostasis and treatment response. The goal is to link discoveries to translational pipelines—from mechanistic insight to biomarkers and therapeutic targets—while creating structured networking for trainees and new PIs.

Attendees will learn about:

• The latest research on stem cell biology, developmental biology, neoplasia, cellular plasticity, and more 
• Design and interpretation of single-cell/spatial studies in GI tissues
• Functional assays using organoid cultures, probing neuro-epithelial and stromal–immune crosstalk
• Metabolomics and microbial pathways
• Moving basic discoveries to the clinic
• Applications of research utilizing AI

Program Topics:

• Enteric nervous system and neural control of GI function 
• Engineering organoid models and translational in-vitro platforms 
• Upper GI disease: esophageal inflammation/neoplasia, gastric mucosal defense
• Stem cells, development, and epithelial plasticity in injury, regeneration, and cancer
• Host–microbe metabolism shaping homeostasis and influencing therapy
• Epithelial-immune cell interactions, novel cytokines and genetic impact on disease pathogenesis
• Technologies and analytics: single-cell and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics

Meet the Experts sessions will involve discussions with senior investigators and journal editors on specific topics, including moving lab ideas to industry, publishing in gastroenterology and navigating grant application process in 2026.

A series of Career Development Workshops will be held during the conference as small group discussions. Topics will include work-life balance and resilience in academia, how to advertise your research, navigating early career and mid-to-late career as a GI researcher.