Fundamental Mechanisms and Clinical Applications of FGF and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling is an evolutionary conserved cell-to-cell communication system that regulates nearly every aspect of embryonic development, as well as adult tissue homeostasis, tissue repair and physiology. Accordingly, aberrant FGF signaling is the cause of a variety of developmental disorders, metabolic dysfunction, age-related diseases, and cancer. This conference will bring together academic scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders with a common interest in FGF biology to share innovations that are impacting the field. The meeting's sessions will span a range of topics to reflect the diverse biological functions of FGF signaling and its downstream molecular effectors. These topics include embryonic development and organogenesis, musculoskeletal biology, neurobiology, endocrinology, cancer biology, molecular signaling, structural biology, and emerging therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the meeting will explore how FGF signaling, and functions are interconnected with other Receptor Tyrosine Kinase signaling outputs, thus opening for novel avenues in both discovery and translational biology. Each session will include presentations by both renowned leaders and colleagues new to the FGF field with particular emphasis on balanced gender and geographical representation. Peer reviewed abstracts will also be considered for platform presentations.

In addition to the main scientific program, ample time is provided during daily free time, before and after sessions, coffee breaks and meals to facilitate networking, maximize interaction and facilitate collaborations between the meeting participants. Altogether, the meeting provides a unique opportunity to integrate a wide-range of perspectives on FGF biology in human health and disease, with the goal of understanding disease mechanisms and devising new therapeutic tools.