The female reproductive tract is a treasure trove of insights into regenerative biology, as it is subject to extensive, repeated remodeling and regeneration associated with follicle development, ovulation, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. The female reproductive system is also a prime target for stem cell-based models and regenerative medicine. The rapid development of in vitro models recapitulating human-specific aspects of embryo implantation, reproductive pathologies and more are vastly accelerating our understanding of reproductive biology and revealing new treatment strategies.  These systems are facilitating the emergence of novel approaches to modulate regeneration or generate “replacement parts” as promising treatments for infertility. This meeting will cover these exciting new advances that are transforming the field of reproductive biology and medicine. In addition, the program will explore how normal regenerative mechanisms are usurped by reproductive cancers, to reveal new avenues to alleviate the substantial morbidity and mortality burdens of these diseases, while also highlighting pathways that may be exploited to enhance healthy cell renewal in these systems.

Most importantly, this conference will provide a critical venue to gather scientists, clinicians and biological engineers to collectively advance this field and address the substantial unmet clinical needs in reproductive health, including fibroids, endometriosis, menopause, infertility, reproductive cancers and gender affirming care. Despite its rich biology and immense public health relevance, the female reproductive tract and its associated biology have been traditionally understudied and underserved areas of research, and the scientific community currently lacks convening mechanisms for researchers focused on these important topics. This Keystone Symposium will cultivate cross-disciplinary collaborations and consolidate a new community that will be necessary to tackle major challenges in the field, which include the development of appropriate preclinical models and eliminating racial inequities in reproductive health outcomes. Finally, a major goal of the meeting is to create opportunities to bring in and empower junior researchers to grow and advance this important field.

In the video below, Dr. Kara McKinley from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, talks about what to expect from this meeting and why you should attend: