2025 Elastin, Elastic Fibers and Microfibrils Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - Project Summary/Abstract Elastin, elastic fibers, and associated microfibrils are connective tissue molecules that provide recoil to tissues that stretch. They are critical to the function of numerous organs, with highest concentrations in arteries, ligaments, lungs, and skin but are also key to the function of female genitourinary organs, tendons, eyes, and bone. Elastin’s deposition is tightly developmentally controlled, but once in the extracellular space, it has a prolonged half-life. Currently, knowledge is lacking as to how to reactivate elastin deposition outside of early developmental periods, leading to limited ability of the body to repair and regenerate elastic tissues. Consequently, elastin’s eventual turnover is associated with many pathologic features of aging while accelerated turnover is seen in a variety of common health conditions ranging from aneurysm and emphysema to tendinopathy and pelvic organ prolapse. The Elastin, Elastic Fibers and Microfibrils Gordon Research Conference (GRC) will provide in-depth discussion of elastic tissue biology with an emphasis on sessions that delve into mechanisms governing the timing and extent of elastic fiber protein production and their contribution to disease. Sessions cover a broad range of topics including molecular properties of elastin relevant to biomaterials, mechanisms of transcriptional and translational control, inflammation and maintenance of elastic fibers, novel imaging and big data techniques to quantify elastin and assess its impact, and sex and tissue specific control of elastin deposition. Evening sessions are focused on disease mechanisms relevant to the biology discussed in the morning and cover a comprehensive set of key organ systems: heart, lung, musculoskeletal, integumentary and ophthalmologic. Featured sessions on women’s health topics as they relate to the regenerative potential of elastic fibers and one on therapeutics are also included. The aims of the conference are the following: 1) Generate novel research questions by integrating data from elastin-related and broader scientific fields; 2) Drive medical research by bringing to light new data with high translational potential in the areas of diagnosis, management, and treatment of acquired and genetic disorders involving elastic fibers and microfibrils; 3) Promote the early integration of young scientists from a variety of backgrounds into the elastin community; 4) Address issues related to rigor and reproducibility of data in the elastin biology field; 5) Provide an inclusive environment for a diverse set of scientists with broad expertise relevant to elastin to exchange ideas, accelerate research, and catalyze collaborations. The 2025 Elastin, Elastic Fibers & Microfibrils GRC will focus on recent novel, unpublished data and will stimulate collaborations, and novel hypotheses by integrating participants from varying disciplines and backgrounds. The accompanying Gordon Research Seminar will allow trainees to interact with established investigators, present their data, and learn career development skills.
