Project summary/abstract This application requests partial support for a FASEB Scientific Research Conference entitled “Gastrointestinal Epithelium: Interface with the Outside World” that is scheduled for September 17-21, 2023 in Steamboat Springs, CO. The meeting will convene a diverse group of speakers, including many women, underrepresented minorities, and young investigators, to discuss the biology of the gastrointestinal epithelium and its role in homeostasis and disease. The keynote presentations plus seven lecture sessions will address gastrointestinal stem cell homeostasis and plasticity in response to injury/disease; development and differentiation of the epithelium; injury repair, proliferation, and regeneration in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon; cell-cell interactions; host-pathogen interactions; intestinal barrier; hypoxia, inflammation and IBD; and cancer. Ample time will be set aside for discussions amongst participants, and the presentation of unpublished data will be prioritized. There will also be two poster sessions as well as several career development activities for early career investigators and trainees, as well as opportunities to promote the visibility of these individuals who represent the future of the field. We have assembled an innovative program with committed participation from leaders with diverse expertise within GI-related research fields. Overall, in an intimate and secluded setting that encourages informal interactions between scientists at all levels, we provide an innovative approach to the exchange of ideas and synthesis of science that will move the field of GI research forward. The conference will have high impact as the program spans basic science discovery to clinical significance for GI health and disease. It is therefore expected that the meeting will provide new insights not only into basic gastrointestinal physiology, neurobiology, developmental biology and microbiology, but also how to treat, and ultimately cure, a wide variety of digestive disease states.

Project narrative This application requests partial support for a FASEB Scientific Research Conference entitled “Gastrointestinal Epithelium: Interface with the Outside World” that is scheduled for September 17-21 in Steamboat Springs, CO. The goal of this meeting is to bring together basic science, translational, and clinical researchers to discuss the most up-to-date scientific discoveries that pertain to the gastrointestinal epithelium and its regulatory mechanisms. There will also be a focus on career development activities to enhance the professional progression of those who are new to the field. Overall, the information shared should spur the development of new understanding of, and treatments for, digestive diseases.