Basic Science of Gestation and Parturition- Feb 17, 2023

A scientific meeting, Basic Science of Gestation and Parturition will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 at NIEHS in Durham, North Carolina. This all-day event is co-sponsored by The Campion Fund and The Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS and is organized by Phyllis Leppert and Franco DeMayo. The nine outstanding scientists in the field who are lined up as Plenary Speakers are Diana Monslavais, Baylor University on endometrial receptivity and implantation; Anne Marie Jukic, NIEHS on 25(OH) D effect on fecundabiity; Julia Kim, Northwestern University, on the progesterone receptor role in endometrial differentiation and decidualization; Mala Mahendroo, University of Texas Southwestern on uterine cervical remodeling and softening in mice; Kristin Myers, Columbia University on the biomechanics of human cervical remodeling and dilation; Sarah England, Washington University St. Louis on the role of circadian rhythm and calcium channels in parturition; Carole Mendelson, University of Texas Southwestern on the multifactorial regulation of parturition; Liping Feng, Duke University on how PRMC2 effects placentation and pregnancy complications; and Ramkumar Menon, University of Texas, Medical Branch Galveston on programmed fetal membrane senescence and exosome-mediated signaling in timing of human parturition. All attendees are encouraged to submit abstracts on any aspect of fundamental work on gestation and parturition by February 1, 2023 to Phyllis Leppert (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) Six to seven top abstracts will be presented as oral presentations while all others that are scientifically sound will be presented as posters. A summary of the proceedings will be published in Biology of Reproduction using a format similar to the recent publication of the Campion Fund and NIEHS sponsored meeting on the Basic Science of Uterine Fibroids in F&S Science.

Topics for the meeting include uterine decidualization, endometrial receptivity and implantation, effects of the environment and nutrition, including the role of hormones and their receptors, vitamins, and growth factors on fecundity, gestation and parturition and postpartum biology, the biochemistry and biomechanics of uterine cervical remodeling and dilation, the role of calcium channels, growth factors, circadian rhythm and immune factors in parturition, regulation of myometrial contractility, the role of fetal membranes in parturition, timing of parturition, postpartum physiology, pregnancy and labor complications including preterm birth.  Studies using animal models, human tissue, translational and epidemiological studies are appropriate for submission. So please save the date, plan on attending and let your colleagues know about the meeting. Updates will be posted on our website.