Location: University of Virginia, Pinn Hall Conference Center
Date: Oct 16, 2022 - Oct 18, 2022
Event LinkThe American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB), founded in 2000, promotes the field of extracellular matrix (ECM) biology to advance knowledge and inspire translation of ECM-centric science to improve human health in the face of aging and disease. ASMB supports biennial workshops that are of similar scale (i.e. 75-100 participants) and scope to individual Gordon Research Conferences and Keystone Symposia. The overarching goals of these workshops are to delve into key topics that are timely and of particular relevance to matrix biology. The theme of the 2022 ASMB Workshop is fibroblasts.
Fibroblasts remain enigmatic cell types. Although their involvement in tissue homeostasis and disease are highly appreciated, a clear definition of what a fibroblast really is remains elusive. The difficulty with their identification has been linked to the absence of reliable fibroblast-specific markers, their shifting of functional phenotypes depending on their microenvironment, and experimentally being defined by what they are not (i.e. not an immune, epithelial, or endothelial cell). This lack of clarity and consensus leads to confusion and disagreement in the field, yet the fibroblast is a highly attractive target for therapeutic intervention. In this second iteration of the ASMB Fibroblast Workshop, the scientific program will span multiple tissues and diseases from tumor stromal fibroblasts (CAFs) to the role of fibroblasts in Regenerative Medicine. A cohort of invited internationally recognized leaders will facilitate a discussion on what fibroblasts are, how they might be targeted or leveraged to treat disease, and how we think about identifying them.
The meeting will hosted at UVA in the Pinn Hall Conference on Oct 16-18, 2022. The event presents a unique opportunity for UVA trainees and faculty to engage with international leaders in the fibroblast biology field.
UVA faculty, staff and trainees will receive a $50 reduction in registration costs through a promotional code. To receive the promotional code, contact Dr. Thomas Barker, Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering.