ABSTRACT
Support is requested for a Keystone Symposia conference entitled Gut-Brain Axis, organized by Drs. Ann
Weber, Sarkis Mazmanian and Scott Sternson. The conference will be held in Banff, Canada from March 20-
23, 2022.
The gut-brain axis encompasses bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central
nervous system (CNS). This is mediated via the autonomic nervous system, including the vagus nerve and
enteric nervous system (ENS), and endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. These systems coordinate
physiology and behavior in health and disease. The underlying mechanisms and pathways are now being
elucidated in this emerging area of scientific interest. Understanding the gut-brain axis augments
neurobiological mechanisms and provides opportunities to treat CNS disorders from the periphery as well as
metabolic and immunologic diseases, including diverse conditions ranging from obesity to nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis to neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. This meeting will bring together basic and applied
scientists from across academia and industry to advance our understanding of gut-brain signaling. By
highlighting the latest research across the components of the gut-brain axis, including vagal and ENS circuits
and gut hormone and immune signaling, the role of the microbiome, and the gut-brain axis in health and
disease, this meeting will catalyze increased interest, investment and cross-disciplinary collaborations to
advance promising new approaches to improving human health. Finally, this meeting is being paired with the
Keystone Symposia conference, Neuronal Control of Appetite. The meetings will share sessions and provide
an optimal venue for participants across both conferences to interact and develop new collaborations in these
fields.