Molecules, Mechanisms, and Medicinal Advances in the Mucociliary System

This is a highly integrated and unique meeting that unites basic scientists, bioengineers, translational investigators, and clinicians who study the components and fundamentals of cilia and mucus biology, their interface as a mucociliary apparatus, and human diseases related mucociliary dysfunction. Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is essential for respiratory tract defense against inhaled pathogens. MCC dysfunction leads to infections and to complications in common disease such as asthma, and rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Advancing technologies have led to growing knowledge of the assembly and function of cilia, the production and secretion of mucin glycoproteins, and the cilia-mucus interactions required for MCC. This meeting showcases the latest in innovations stemming from established teams while attracting new talent, including young investigators from cross-disciplinary fields, to understand pathomechanisms, develop disease models and drive step change needed for therapies targeting the airways.

This GRC meeting will lay foundations and provide new ideas for current and emerging leaders in the mucociliary biology. A cohesive program is proposed to enhance the interplay between specialized disciplines that seek to integrate knowledge and impact advances in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, development, genetics, and translational research of common respiratory tract diseases.

This conference embodies the following scientific themes: a) genetic and gene regulatory mechanisms of mucociliary components, b) structure and function of mucin glycoprotein polymers and motile cilia, c) secretion of mucins and mechanics of ciliary activity, d) the effects of mucociliary function and dysfunction on host physiology and pathophysiology, and e) the on-going application of cilia and mucus biology to develop promote respiratory health and reduce the burden of disease.