Development of the Enteric Nervous System: Cells, Signals, Genes, and Therapy

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Project Summary/Abstract Over the past 20 years, remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and of the congenital and acquired neurointestinal diseases that result from abnormal development or maintenance of the ENS. Many of the advances in understanding ENS development have been made by cell, molecular, and developmental biology studies and genetic analyses using a variety of species, including avians, rodents, zebrafish, and humans. These fundamental studies have contributed not only a detailed appreciation of the complexities of ENS development, but are now also yielding novel opportunities to develop cell-based therapies for treating enteric neuropathies. Researchers studying ENS development gathered in New York in 2006 for their first international symposium. This triennial meeting was subsequently held in London (2009), Hong Kong (2012), and Rotterdam (2015). The symposium brings together clinicians and researchers, including developmental and cell biologists, pathologists, geneticists, physiologists, pediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons, and stem cell researchers, who all share a common interest in the development and pathophysiology of the enteric nervous system and the diagnosis and treatment of neurointestinal diseases. All of the Symposia have been very successful, each hosting approximately 150 participants from 20 different countries from around the world. The 5th International Symposium on “Development of the Enteric Nervous System: Cells, Signals, Genes and Therapy” will be held in Boston in April, 2018. This will be the first meeting focused on ENS development to be held in the U.S. in 12 years and builds on the success of the prior meetings and the growing importance of ENS research. The specific aims of this R13 application are as follows: (1) To encourage the participation of young investigators, particularly women and minorities under-represented in science, at this 5th International Symposium by offering 10 Travel Awards to offset registration costs and travel expenses; and (2) To enhance the likelihood of long-term success for young investigators pursuing academic careers by establishing mentored relationships with select faculty and members of the meeting’s Organizing Committee. It is our expectation that this meeting will help to build lasting mentorship and collaborations that will help to advance the career development of the Travel Award recipients.