New Frontiers in Lymphatic Research

The Gordon Research Seminar on the Molecular Mechanisms in Lymphatic Function & Disease is a unique forum for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars interested in the lymphatic system to present their work, learn about the cutting-edge research of their peers, and exchange ideas about the future research directions in understanding the biology and physiology of lymphatic circulation. Each oral session will feature discussions led by senior researchers with the openness and equity that defines the Gordon mission and all participants will have to opportunity to present posters. 2014 will be the inaugural Gordon Research Seminar to be associated with the Molecular Mechanisms in Lymphatic Function & Disease GRC and the program seeks to bring together interested junior researchers from across the spectrum of lymphatic research frontiers.

The lymphatic system has become increasingly appreciated as a major player in a host of pathologies and our understanding of its genetic, biochemical, and biophysical regulators continues to expand. Lymphatic circulation plays roles in tissue fluid balance and interstitial flow regulation, immune regulation and leukocyte trafficking, lipid uptake and transport, and cancer growth and metastasis. Emerging research has discovered that lymphatic biology is a critical component in inflammation and chronic diseases beyond cancer and lymphedema; new tools and therapies are being developed to explore and clinically address the spectrum of lymphatic-associated pathologies. The 2014 meeting will focus on these new frontiers while incorporating the continued extensive efforts to understand lymphatic development and function. Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with any interest in any aspect of lymphatic research are encouraged to submit an abstract and participate with novel, unpublished works being chosen for oral presentations.