GI Epithelium: Plasticity and Pathways to Disease

In its second year, this important conference, developed to complement the long-standing FASEB Gastrointestinal conference, focuses on the gastrointestinal epithelial lining from the esophagus to the colon. Research into the growth, regeneration, and host-pathogen interactions that govern the health of the GI epithelium continues to reveal new findings and develop new technologies. This year’s program will include basic stem and progenitor cell biology, epithelial cell reprogramming, gastrointestinal mucosal inflammatory conditions, and neoplasia.

The sessions are designed to promote interaction and collaboration of basic scientists, clinicians, and those in biotechnology to improve the understanding of intestinal disease and promote the development of potential treatments. The development of the agenda will ensure this conference serves as a platform to focus on discoveries, translational biology, and therapeutic opportunities, with a special focus on work from early-career researchers, and those from historically excluded groups.

Attendees will learn about:

· The development, differentiation, and regeneration of the GI epithelium.

· Interactions between different populations of epithelial and immune cells.

· How signaling and host-pathogen interactions in the GI epithelium affect health and disease.

· The newest technologies in the field.

Program Topics

· Specialized cell types gastrointestinal epithelial physiology

· Esophageal and gastric epithelial biology

· Small intestinal and colonic epithelial biology

· Unique GI epithelial cell types

· Bacterial infections and the gastrointestinal epithelium

· IBD therapies targeting the epithelium

· Viral, fungal, or parasite infections and the gastrointestinal epithelium

· Colonic neoplasia

· Gastrointestinal epithelial dysregulation and disease

Workshops

Two Meet the Experts sessions will be held during breakfast, featuring senior researchers and faculty within the field and open to all early-career researchers and academics. They will focus on the “big questions” within science, careers, and professional development.

Career Development Workshops will feature small group discussions about career milestones and challenges. Topics will include collaborating with fellow researchers, starting a lab, grant applications, and career advice for pathways within industry and academia.