Advancements in Molecular Understanding and Therapeutic Targeting of Mucociliary Disorders

The interaction of cilia and mucus is an essential component of respiratory tract defense against pathogens and when dysfunctional, leads to diseases ranging from the common cold, asthma, rhinosinusitus, chronic obstructive lung disease and genetic diseases cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). The rapid advancement of technologies such as next generation sequencing, high resolution microscopy and the development of novel in vitro analysis systems has led to an exponential growth of knowledge related to the assembly and function of cilia, production and secretion of mucus, and cilia-mucus interaction to promote productive mucociliary clearance. These achievements have paved the way for future development of therapeutic strategies to treat mucociliary clearance disorders. However, significant questions remain that will be addressed in the proposed meeting: (1) What is the molecular basis for the differentiation of ciliated epithelia? 2) How can we analyze the hydrodynamics and biophysical properties of cilia-mucus interactions in healthy and disease states with high resolution? 3) What is the relationship between cilia, mucus and mucosal immunity? And, (4) what diagnostic and therapeutic approaches provide the most effective monitoring and correction of defects? To attempt to fill these gaps, the meeting brings together a distinctive group of investigators for sessions of cutting-edge data, with a mandate for presenting unpublished research in a closed environment. The structure of this GRC provides a highly interactive forum for investigators and trainees.