91猎奇

The will bring together international experts and early-career researchers to explore the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its interplay with the immune system and tissue-associated microbiome 鈥� three interconnected biological systems that shape tissue homeostasis, regeneration, aging, and disease, yet are often studied independently.

Participants will be introduced to state-of-the-art concepts and experimental approaches through a programme of introductory and advanced lectures, discussion sessions, and meet-the-expert activities delivered by leading scientists in ECM biology, immunology, microbiome research, and regenerative biology. The scientific programme will address:

• Structure鈥揻unction relationships of ECM macromolecules and their roles in tissue assembly
• Mechanisms of ECM remodeling and the influence of matrix-modifying enzymes on immune regulation
• Microbiota-driven modulation of inflammation and ECM dynamics, ECM-mediated signaling, stem cell niche regulation, and tissue regeneration
• Tools and models for probing microenvironmental interactions, including organoids, gnotobiotic systems, and decellularized scaffolds
• Systems biology approaches to integrate ECM, immune, and microbiome signaling networks

Alongside the lectures, the course will feature poster sessions, small-group discussions, and career-development activities. Mentoring and networking events will provide opportunities for participants to build collaborations and interact closely with faculty across disciplines.

What distinguishes this course is its holistic, mechanistic perspective on ECM鈥搃mmune鈥搈icrobiome crosstalk, integrating biological systems that are typically examined in isolation. Building on the strong legacy of previous 91猎奇 ECM courses (2007鈥�2023), which have generated highly cited The 91猎奇 Journal MiniReview Series and Special Issues, this course aims to equip participants with the conceptual and technological tools needed to advance research in this rapidly developing field. 91猎奇 Youth Travel Fund (YTF) grants will be available.

Organizers: Nikolaos Afratis, Nikos K. Karamanos, Valerio Izzi, Laurent Duca, Martin G枚tte

Redox homeostasis is a prerequisite for human health, in which the physiological levels of nonradical reactive oxygen species function as the primary second messengers to modulate physiological redox signaling by orchestrating multiple redox sensors. However, redox dysregulation leads to biomolecule damage and subsequent occurrence of various diseases such as cardiovascular pathology, cancer and neurodegeneration.

The , jointly delivered with the , aims to tackle the intricate redox signaling network that has evolved around cellular metabolism, generation of radical species, and cellular responses that affect growth and death. The speakers will discuss different aspects of redox signaling involved in both physiological and pathological conditions and how dysfunction of this complex signaling network can be targeted to prevent/slow disease onset and progression. Further, different model systems as well as methodological approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, will be discussed to provide students a wider perspective of questions, models, and approaches that can be developed for future studies.

The program offers a diverse array of activities, including training lectures, poster sessions, short presentations by all participants, and ‘meet the expert’ sessions that provide young scientists with the opportunity to engage directly with leading international experts in redox biology.

The course will target early-career researchers (ECRs) from different areas of basic biological sciences and medicine, primarily experienced PhD students and post-doctoral level scientists within 5 years after completion of their doctorate. ECRs will be selected primarily based on their qualifications relevant to the course content, their potential to contribute to the breadth of science, and the benefit they are likely to obtain for their future careers, while ensuring a broad participation from different 91猎奇 constituent countries and a focus on equality and diversity.

Image: neurons stained with DCF, for ROS assay; from lab of M. Perluigi.

Organizers: Marzia Perluigi, Fabio Di Domenico, Niki Chondrogianni