FASEB SRC: Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells and Regeneration

PROJECT SUMMARY This application seeks partial support for the upcoming Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) conference entitled, "Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells and Regeneration", which will be held July 24-28th, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This will be the 11th edition of this conference focusing on adult

skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and the 10th sponsored by FASEB. Based on attendance records from previous years, we expect approximately 175 attendees from around the world of whom ~50% are expected to be women and ~60% junior researchers. No other scientific meeting has a primary focus on MuSCs. The need

for a conference with this focus is demonstrated by the steady increase in attendance since the meeting's inception and the consistently excellent post-meeting evaluations provided by meeting attendees. This meeting attracts all leading MuSC researchers from around the world, further demonstrating its value for established

and future leaders in the field. The overall objectives of this biennial meeting include: 1) to provide a comprehensive analysis of recent discoveries in the field, with the goal of understanding the regulatory mechanisms controlling normal and abnormal functions of MuSCs in muscle homeostasis, regeneration, hypertrophy, aging, and myopathy; 2) to

create and foster an interactive environment for the exchange of ideas and unpublished data, so as to hasten discoveries and facilitate new and existing collaborations; 3) to provide opportunities for junior investigators to present their work and network with senior investigators; and 4) to facilitate career development of women and

other underrepresented groups by ensuring representation in all aspects of the conference program. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Edward De Robertis, a pioneer in development and stem cell biology. Eight sessions are planned, presenting 48 speakers (24 invited speakers and at least 24 selected from submitted

abstracts) at all career levels. Session topics include: (i) molecular regulation of MuSCs, (ii) stem cells and regeneration in diseased muscle, (iii) the MuSC niche and cell signaling, (iv) interaction of MuSCs with, and regeneration of, the MTJ and the NMJ, (v) dynamics of muscle regeneration, (vi) engineering and translating

MuSCs, (vii) muscle homeostasis and regeneration in aging, (viii) Metabolism and exercise in muscle regeneration. Invited speakers have been selected for their scientific excellence, with particular attention to equal representation of women and minorities and geographical diversity. Speakers are explicitly required to

present unpublished work, to ensure scientific discussion is at the forefront of the field. We will have four poster sessions, each preceded by a “posters blitz” where selected poster presenters will give a one-minute talk to highlight their work; career-oriented workshops and “meet-the-expert” breakfast and lunch sessions.

This meeting will provide a forum to foster discussion and cross-fertilization from diverse areas of research, to advance our understanding of muscle regeneration and help in the development of therapeutics.