Advances in Skeletal Muscle Growth, Repair and Disease

Society For Muscle Biology, Bethesda MD

Investigators

Abstract

SUMMARY The biannual Frontiers in Myogenesis conference has distinguished itself as a forum for the exchange of cutting-edge ideas on the development, physiology, and pathology of skeletal muscles. The conference brings together leading scientists from around the world to promote new research directions and novel therapeutic approaches, as well as to foster highly productive collaborations with leading scientists in the field. In keeping with the Frontiers ideals of exploring new territory and creating new opportunities at the edge, we are for the first time bringing the conference to South America, to the Sophitel Guaruja Jequitimar Hotel, in São Paulo, Brazil, from November 6-10, 2023. We expect to draw significant participation from South America, especially the local area which includes 5 major research universities. The theme of the 2023 conference is “Advances in Skeletal Muscle Growth, Repair and Disease” and the major goal of the conference is to disseminate exciting mechanistic advances in our understanding of processes that regulate myogenesis, developing novel strategies for studying and treating muscle diseases, such as the generation of muscle stem cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, and bioengineering approaches for skeletal muscle modeling, and advances in our understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic changes responsible for muscle impairment with aging and approaches to address these therapeutically. The conference will also address mechanisms of human skeletal muscle disease as well as novel therapeutics, focusing on both genetic diseases of muscle such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy as well as acquired pathologies, such as aging. These topics will be presented over 11 sessions by 55 speakers. Importantly, the conference will promote interaction and mentoring between junior and established investigators through poster sessions including poster blitz 1 min oral summaries of selected posters, short talks for junior investigators, and lunch sessions at which participants may sign up to join tables of specific speakers. The conference will also include three professional development sessions providing guidance on the grant application process, how to promote diversity and inclusion in science, and a meet the editors session on guidance in the area of publishing in high visibility journals. We will provide an informal, friendly, inclusive and constructive environment for all participants, ensuring participation of women, under-represented minorities and individuals coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.