Modeling and Targeting Mucociliary Function in Health and Disease: Genes to Cells to Interaction Networks and Tissues

The 2019 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Cilia, Mucus and Mucociliary Interactions is a highly integrated and unique meeting uniting basic scientists, bioengineers, translational investigators and clinicians studying the components and fundamentals of cilia and mucus biology, their interface as a mucociliary apparatus and human diseases related to mucociliary dysfunction such as chronic obstructive lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia. The invited speakers are at the forefront of research in this field, using advanced molecular methods to explore:

• Genetics of motile cilia disease
• Gene regulatory mechanisms of ciliogenesis and mucociliary components
• Structure, assembly and function of mucin glycoproteins and cilia
• Production and secretion of mucins
• Cilia-mucus interactions required for mucociliary clearance
• Effects of mucociliary function and dysfunction on host physiology and pathophysiology

These innovations stem from the on-going work of established teams and new entrants, including young investigators who are an important element of this meeting. Junior scientists and graduate students will interact with the field leaders, through oral presentations, poster sessions, and late-breaking talks selected from submitted abstracts. There are programmed discussion sessions and informal gatherings to encourage new links, conversations, and fresh ideas in an innovative, informative, and integrated forum that encourages discussing new research and current challenges in mucociliary biology across various research areas. The Conference aims to foster relationships, collaboration, and mentorship across many different disciplines. This aspect is enhanced by an associated trainee-led Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) subtitled "Developmental and Environmental Processes Leading to Mucociliary Interactions", which is dedicated to graduate students and post-docs. The GRS and GRC have the shared goal of creating enjoyable, relaxed and collaborative meetings.