2023 Pancreatic Diseases Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

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PROJECT SUMMARY Gordon Research Conferences (GRCs) are a group of prestigious, non-profit, international scientific conferences that have been held since 1931. This R13 proposal relates to the GRC on Pancreatic Diseases: "Pancreatic Diseases: Understanding cell behavior and communication” and the associated trainee-led Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), held April 29 - May 5, 2023, in Lucca, Italy. Recent years have brought rapid advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic development, regeneration, and malignant transformation, as well as our ability to model these processes in mice and human cells. These studies have revealed lineage relationships between the different pancreatic cell types and plasticity in response to environmental influences. Moreover, epidemiological studies show a clear association between pancreatic diseases, in particular between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Yet, the mechanisms involved in the co- occurrence of pancreatic diseases are poorly understood. This GRC aims to link the understanding of the biology of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas to applications for human diseases. This conference is unique in that it convenes experts from all aspects of pancreas biology as well as clinicians working on translational approaches for diabetes, pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. By providing a forum for the presentation and discussion of cutting edge, unpublished concepts and approaches, the goal of this GRC is to stimulate discussion across disciplines. This exchange will foster interdisciplinary approaches and promote exchange of ideas to lead to new collaborations, as well as empower young scientists to showcase their work to peers and leaders in the field. The upcoming, fifth Pancreatic Diseases GRC will focus on understanding cell behavior and communication in pancreatic diseases with the goal of gaining insights into how the systemic and local environment impact endocrine and exocrine cells in health and disease. The program that has been assembled is first-rate, benefitting from the contribution of international world-class scientists engaged in research relevant to different aspects of pancreatic diseases. The ultimate goal of the conference is the identification of novel concepts in pancreatic diseases that might be exploitable for pharmacological and cell-based therapeutic approaches. As for all GRCs, the guiding principle of this conference is the presentation of new, unpublished results and the free, unhampered discussion that follows. Participation of young scientists is especially emphasized, with opportunities of short talks and poster presentations. To further enhance career development opportunities, a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) has been integrated into this meeting. Taking place immediately prior to the GRC proper, the GRS features posters and talks exclusively by trainees as well as mentorship sessions designed to provide trainees with established mentors willing to help guide their careers. Together, this makes for a rare platform to promote young researchers, integrate trainees into the interdisciplinary pancreatic disease research community, and impact their career trajectory at a critical time in their training.