Vasoregulation: Signaling and Multicellular Inputs - PROJECT SUMMARY
The objective of this proposal is to provide financial support for the inaugural "Vasoregulation: Signaling and
Multicellular Inputs" FASEB Scientific Research Conference (SRC) scheduled for August 4-8, 2024, at the Loews
Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, USA. The conference focuses on vasoregulation, the physiological
process responsible for regulating the diameter of small muscular arteries and arterioles to maintain optimal
blood flow and blood pressure. Dysfunctional vasoregulation is associated with numerous cardiovascular
disorders, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, small vessel diseases, and other pathologies. Discovering
important physiological and pathological elements of essential vasoregulatory processes will significantly
contribute to our understanding of cardiovascular health and disease. Derived from the successful Smooth
Muscle FASEB SRC series held triennially from 1982 to 2019, the 2024 Vasoregulation conference
acknowledges the evolving research landscape emphasizing the roles of endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes,
neurons, and other factors in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle contractility. Our new name and format
reflect this shift, encompassing intercellular regulatory mechanisms alongside smooth muscle functionality. The
conference promotes inclusive engagement, encouraging participation from diverse disciplines such as genetics,
neuroscience, and biophysics, enriching intellectual discourse and scholarly exchange. The event will be a
pivotal platform for disseminating cutting-edge research findings, fostering mentorship initiatives, and cultivating
collaborative networks within the vascular regulation community. The meeting will be co-organized by Dr.
Jonathan Jaggar, Dr. Scott Earley, and Dr. Madeline Nieves-Cintron. Dr. Anne Joutel, renowned for discovering
the molecular basis of a common genetic form of cerebral small vessel disease, will deliver the keynote lecture.
The conference will include eight thematic platform sessions, two poster sessions, and two crucial career
development activities aimed at early-stage investigators. The scientific sessions prioritize diversity, with 44.2%
women, 32.6% underrepresented minorities, and 25.6% early-stage investigators among the 43 invited
speakers. Short talks selected from abstracts submitted by early-stage researchers contribute to a balanced
blend of established experts and promising investigators, representing a global cross-section from North
America, Europe, and the UK. This medium-sized conference (~100 attendees) emphasizes informal
discussions during various activities to encourage collaboration, particularly among early-stage scientists. To
ensure broad participation, the organizers aim to subsidize registration and travel costs for trainees and early-
stage investigators, particularly women and underrepresented minorities, using support provided by NIH/NHLBI.
