2 nd &nbsp;Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Report

This second Fusion conference on Fibroblasts Growth Factors in Development and Repair took place in Cancun Mexico, from March 8 through March 11, 2017. The meeting was chaired again by Prof. David Ornitz (Washington University, St Louis, USA) and Prof. Saverio Bellusci (Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany).

The invited Faculty, which presented state of the art data, included Dr. Richard Grose (Queen Mary University of London), Dr. Stijn de Langhe (University of Alabama Birmingham), Dr. Mohammad Hajihosseini (University of East Anglia), Dr. Laurence Legeai-Mallet (Imagine Institute-Inserm U1163), Dr. Bradley Olwin (University of Colorado Boulder), Dr. Dina Ron (Technion - Israel Institute of Technology), Dr. Michael Simons (Yale University), Dr. Philippe Soriano (The Mount Sinai Hospital), Dr. Sabine Werner (ETH, Zurich), Dr. Xin Sun (University of Calif, San Diego), Dr. Fen Wang (Texas A&M) and Dr. Jin-San Zhang (Mayo Clinic).

We also recruited other speakers, both junior, mid-level, and senior scientists from the submitted abstracts. We had a good ratio of speakers both in terms of gender and seniority, with the priority given to junior to mid-level scientists.

Contrarily to the first meeting, which was organized on a relatively short notice, the chairs had plenty of time to organize this meeting as well as to do fund raising, with most of the money coming from biotech companies, scientific publishing companies and academic institutions. This allowed us to provide substantial funding for travel awards to most of the students, postdocs, and junior faculty attending to this meeting. The program set by the chairs attracted participants from many countries with various scientific interest. The participants at this meeting primarily worked in the field of FGFs in cancer, neurobiology, regeneration and disease, organogenesis, musculoskeletal and vascular development. This meeting allowed networking and cross fertilization of ideas between overlapping but related fields of research.

The conference venue, the fusion staff and the fantastic weather at this time of the year permitted us to conduct the meeting in a stress-free atmosphere which was very helpful to allow the field to advance. Most of the attendees participated to the discussion and plenty of time was available for networking and setting up collaborations. The poster presentations were also actively attended and provided an additional platform for discussion and collaboration.

In conclusion, this Fusion meeting was very successful and the attendants decided to organize another meeting in 2019 which will be chaired by Dr. Sabine Werner and Dr. Brad Olwin.

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2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Synopsis

The major goal of this Fusion Conference is to bring together in a single forum the diverse group of researchers who study fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. This will provide a unique opportunity to discuss new results and to target future research areas.

Key Sessions

The mechanisms by which FGF signaling governs organogenesis and tissue patterning during embryonic development.
The role of FGF signaling in adult tissue homeostasis, repair, regeneration, and angiogenesis.
Aberrant FGF signaling in developmental/hereditary diseases including skeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, digestive, genitourinary, and endocrine disorders.

Speakers

Zamal Ahmed (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Stijn de Langhe (National Jewish Health)
Masatoshi Fujiwara (Ribomic)
Mitchell Goldfarb (Hunter College)
Richard Grose (Queen Mary University of London)
Robert Guzy (The University of Chicago)
Mohammad Hajihosseini (University of East Anglia)
Stacey House (Washington University)
Sung-Ho Huh (University of Nebraska Medical Center)
Marja Hurley (UConn Health)
Fernanda Laezza (UTMB Health)
Laurence Legeai-Mallet (Imagine Institute-Inserm U1163)
Mark Lewandoski (NCI)
Helen Makarenkova (The Scripps Research Institute)
Suzanne Mansour (The University of Utah)
Ivor Mason (King's College London)
Nora M. Navone (MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Victor Nurcombe (IMB)
Bradley Olwin (University of Colorado Boulder)
Dina Ron (Technion - Israel Institute of Technology)
Michael Seckl (Imperial College London)
Michael Simons (Yale University)
Philippe Soriano (Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai)
Jeffrey Stavenhagen (Therachon)
Xin Sun (University of Wisconsin–Madison)
Jerry Turnbull (University of Liverpool)
Hisashi Umemori (Harvard Medical School)
Fen Wang (Texas A&M)
David Warburton (University of Southern California)
Sabine Werner (ETH Zurich Institute of Molecular Health Sciences)
Zipora Yablonka-Reuveni (University of Washington)
Avner Yayon (ProCore Bio Med)
Jin-San Zhang (Mayo Clinic)
Xin Zhang (Columbia University)

Target Audience

Reflecting the pleiotropic functions of FGF signaling in human biology, FGF researchers encompass a wide range of scientific disciplines, including structural biologists, biochemists, cell biologists, endocrinologists, developmental biologists, geneticists, pharmacologists and clinicians.

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Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Speakers

Invited Speakers

Richard Grose

Reader, Queen Mary, University of London

Marja Hurley

Professor of Medicine, UCONN Health, School of Medicine

Suzanne Mansour

Professor, University of Utah

Stijn De Langhe

Professor, Mayo Cinic, Rochester

Xin Sun

Professor, University of California, San Diego.

Helen Makarenkova

Assistant Professor, The Scripps Research Institute

Zamal Ahmed

Assistant Professor, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Mitchell Goldfarb

Professor, Hunter College

Sabine Werner

Prof. Dr., ETH Zurich Institute of Molecular Health Sciences

Fen Wang

Professor, Texas A&M University

Fernanda Laezza

Associate Professor, UTMB

Xin Zhang

Associate Professor, Columbia University

Michael Seckl

Professor of Molecular Oncology, Imperial College London

Robert Guzy

Assistant Professor, The University of Chicago

Mark Lewandoski

Senior Investigator, NCI, NIH

David Warburton

Jodi S. Ogden - VP, Research Administration, Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Mohammad K Hajihosseini

Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience, University of East Anglia

Sung-Ho Huh

Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Stacey House

Research Director in Emergency Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis

Masatoshi Fujiwara

Board Director, Research & Development Division, RIBOMIC Inc.

Jeffrey Stavenhagen

Vice president, Therachon

Avner Yayon

CEO, Procore Ltd.

Dina Ron

Faculty Member/Lab Chief, Technion, Israel Instititute of Technology

NORA NAVONE

PROFESSOR, UT MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER

Jerry Turnbull

Johnston Professor of Biochemistry, University of Liverpool

Philippe Soriano

Professor, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai

Hisashi Umemori

Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School

Laurence Legeai-Mallet

Director of Research, Imagine Institute-Inserm U1163

Michael Simons

Professor, Yale University

Bradley Olwin

Professor, University of Colorado

Zipora Yablonka-Reuveni

Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine

Jin-San Zhang

Professor, Wenzhou Medical University

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Programme

WEDNESDAY 8^TH MARCH 2017
14:00 – 14:45	Registration
14:00 – 14:45	Welcome Lunch *Kalmia Buffet Restaurant*
14:45 – 15:00	Opening Comments
CANCER Session Chair: Gary Schoenwolf, University of Utah
15:00 – 15:25	Richard Grose Queen Mary, University of London	UNDERSTANDING DRUG RESISTANCE IN FGFR DRIVEN CANCER
15:25 – 15:50	Fen Wang Texas A&M	FGF SIGNALING IN PROSTATE CANCER PROGRESSION
15:50 – 16:15	Nora Navone MD Anderson Cancer Center	TARGETING THE BONE COMPARTMENT IN METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER
16:15 – 16:35	Zamal Ahmed MD Anderson Cancer Center	ROLE OF GRB2 IN FGFR2 SIGNALING AND BEYOND
16:35 – 17:00	Jin-San Zhang Mayo Clinic	FGF 2 PROTECTS AGAINST RENAL ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURY BY ATTENUATING MITOCHONDRIAL DAMAGE AND PROINFLAMMATORY SIGNALING
17:00 – 17:30	Refreshments & Poster Viewing
BONE AND CARTILAGE Session Chair: Jerry Turnbull, University of Liverpool
17:30 – 17:50	Marja Hurley UCONN Health, School of Medicine	FGF2 ISOFORMS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS
17:50 – 18:10	David Ornitz Washington University	FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTORS: CRITICAL REGULATORS OF OSTEOGENIC AND CHONDROGENIC GROWTH PROGRAMS
18:10 – 18:30	Laurence Legeai-Mallet Imagine Institute-Inserm U1163	FGFR3 REGULATES PRIMARY CILIA ELONGATION THROUGH AUTOPHAGY
18:30 – 18:50	Jeffrey Stravenhagen Therachon AG	DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL BIOLOGIC FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACHONDROPLASIA
18:50 – 19:10	Avner Yayon Procore Ltd	RECEPTOR SELECTIVE, HEPARAN SULFATE DEPENDENT, ENGINEERED VARIANTS OF FGF18 FOR THE TREATMENT OF DAMAGE INDUCED OSTEOARTHRITIS
19:10	Dinner at Leisure

THURSDAY 9^TH MARCH 2017
07:00 – 08:30	Breakfast *Kalmia Buffet Restaurant*
MUSCLE, SKIN AND VASCULATURE Session Chair: Mohammad Hajihosseini, University of East Anglia
08:30 – 08:50	Stacey House Washington University in St. Louis	ROLE OF FGF9 AND FGF16 IN ACUTE CARDIAC INJURY AND REPAIR
08:50 – 09:15	Michael Simons Yale School of Medicine	FGF-DEPENDENT CONTROL OF VASCULAR METABOLISM
09:15 – 09:40	Bradley Olwin University of Colorado Boulder	REGULATING SKELETAL MUSCLE REGENERATION AND SIZE BY DISRUPTING SATELLITE CELL TERMINAL DIFFERENTIATION
09:40 – 10:20	Refreshments & Group Photo
10:20 – 10:45	Sabine Werner ETH Zurich Institute of Molecular Health Sciences	ROLE AND MECHANISM OF ACTION OF FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTORS IN INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASE
10:45 – 11:10	Zipora Yablonka-Reuveni University of Washington School of Medicine	THE STATUS OF FGFRS AND THEIR KLOTHO CO-RECEPTORS IN SKELETAL MUSCLE MYOGENESIS AND FIBRO/ADIPOGENESIS
11:10 – 11:30	Elissavet Kardami University of Manitoba	FGF-2 EXERTS DIRECT PROTECTIVE OR DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS ON CARDIAC MITOCHONDRIA, IN AN ISOFORM-SPECIFIC MANNER, MEDIATED BY A MITOCHONDRIAL RECEPTOR
11:30 – 11:50	Peter Cattini University of Manitoba	FGF-16 AND ACUTE DOXORUBICIN CARDIOTOXICITY: AN EARLY TARGET FOR EARLY PROTECTION
11:50 – 16:30	Lunch at Leisure & Free Time
SIGNALING Session Chair: Richard Grose, Queen Mary, University of London
16:30 – 16:55	Philippe Soriano Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai	FGF SIGNALING PATHWAYS IN MOUSE DEVELOPMENT
16:55 – 17:20	Jerry Turnbull University of Liverpool	TUNING FGF SIGNALING WITH DEFINED HEPARAN SULFATE SACCHARIDES
17:20 – 17:45	Dina Ron Technion, Israel Instititute of Technology	DISSECTING THE ROLE OF THE TUMOR SUPPRESSOR SEF: FROM IN-VITRO TO IN-VIVO
17:45 – 18:10	Michael Seckl Imperial College London	FGF-2 PROSURVIVAL SIGNALLING AND THE USE OF AN FGFR INHIBITOR TO REVERSE RESISTANCE TO THERAPY IN CANCER: FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE
POSTER TALKS
18:10 – 18:20	Malgorzata Zakrzewska University of Wroclaw	TRANSLOCATED FGF1 AND FGF2 PROTECT THE CELL AGAINST APOPTOSIS
18:20 – 18:30	Stephanie Kainrath Institute of Science and Technology, Austria	LIGHT INDUCED INHIBITION OF AN OPTOGENETIC FGFR1 MIMICKING CONSTITUTIVE ACTIVITY
18:30 – 18:40	David Dolivo Worcester Polytechnic Institute	FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR 2 INHIBITS FIBROBLAST ACTIVATION AND ATTENUATES MYOFIBROBLAST PHENOTYPES IN HUMAN DERMAL FIBROBLASTS
18:40 – 19:40	Poster Session I & Refreshments
19:40	Dinner at Leisure

FRIDAY 10^TH MARCH 2017
07:00 – 08:30	Breakfast *Kalmia Buffet Restaurant*
LUNG Session Chair: Saverio Bellusci, Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS
08:30 – 08:40	Navid Koleini University of Manitoba	FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR-2 PROTECTION FROM CANCER DRUG CARDIOTOXCITY IS MEDIATED BY THE MTOR/NRF2/HEMOXYGENASE-1 PATHWAY
08:40 – 08:50	Stefan Hadzic ECCPS	THE ROLE OF FGF10 IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF CIGARETTE SMOKE-INDUCED EMPHYSEMA AND PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
08:50 – 09:15	Cho-Ming Chao ECCPS, University Justus Liebig Giessen	ROLE OF FGF10 SIGNALLING IN ALVEOLAR EPITHELIAL LINEAGE FORMATION
09:15 – 09:40	Xin Sun University of California, San Diego	FGF FUNCTION IN LUNG MATURATION
09:40 – 10:05	David Warburton Childrens Hospital Los Angeles	SOME NEW IDEAS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL FUNCTION OF FGF SIGNALING IN DEVELOPMENT OF THE GAS DIFFUSION SURFACES OF THE LUNG
10:05 – 10:30	Robert Guzy Washington University School of Medicine	MESENCHYME-SPECIFIC FGF SIGNALING IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS
10:30 – 11:00	Refreshments & Poster Viewing
11:00 – 11:25	Stijn de Langhe University of Alabama at Birmingham	EPITHELIAL YAP TUNES FGF10 EXPRESSION IN THE STROMAL NICHE
11:25 – 11:50	Xin Zhang Columbia University	NEURAL CREST FGF SIGNALING CONTROLS LACRIMAL GLAND DEVELOPMENT
POSTER TALKS
11:50 – 12:00	Andrew Hagan Washington University School of Medicine	FGF18 SIGNALING IN POSTNATAL ALVEOLOGENESIS
12:00 – 12:10	Amit Shrestha Justus Liebig University of Giessen	MIR-142 REGULATES ALVEOLAR LINEAGE FORMATION DURING LUNG DEVELOPMENT
12:10 – 12:25	Discussion on the future of the FGF series
12:25 – 16:30	Lunch at Leisure & Free Time
DEVELOPMENT Session Chair: Stijn de Langhe, University of Alabama at Birmingham
16:30 – 16:55	Helen Makarenkova The Scripps Research Institute	FGF10 REGULATES ADULT LACRIMAL GLAND STEM CELL DYNAMIC AND HIERARCHY
16:55 – 17:20	Mohammad Hajihosseini University of East Anglia	NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE EXPRESSION AND FUNCTIONS OF FGF10 DURING MOUSE LIMB DEVELOPMENT
17:20 – 17:45	Mark Lewandoski NCI, NIH	THE ROLE OF FGF ACTIVITY DURING SOMITOGENESIS AND EXTENSION OF THE VERTEBRATE AXIS
PHARMACOLOGY Session Chair: Avner Yayon, Procore Ltd.
17:45 – 18:10	Masatoshi Fujiwara Ribomic	DIVERGENT ROLES OF FGF2 IN DISEASE PROGRESSION: MULTIACTIONS OF ANTI-FGF2 APTAMER
18:10 – 18:25	Jin-San Zhang Shanghai Tenry Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd (on behalf of)	TENRYPHARM FROM CHINA, WITH ACIDIC FGF FOR WOUND HEALING USE
18:25 – 19:25	Poster Session II & Refreshments
20:00	*Gala Dinner & Poster Awards*

SATURDAY 11^TH MARCH 2017
07:00 – 08:30	Breakfast *Kalmia Buffet Restaurant*
NEUROBIOLOGY AND INTRACELLULAR FGFS Session Chair: Mark Lewandoski, NCI, NIH
08:30 – 08:55	Suzanne Mansour University of Utah	FGFR2B LIGANDS IN HEARING
08:55 – 09:20	Ivor Mason Kings College London	FGF REGULATION OF CONNECTIVITY IN THE DEVELOPING VERTEBRATE BRAIN
09:20 – 09:45	Sung-Ho Huh University of Nebraska Medical Center	ADMINISTRATION OF FGF9 IN VIVO RESCUES LOSS OF LATERAL COMPARTMENT OF ORGAN OF CORTI CUASED BY DELETION OF FGF20
09:45 – 10:10	Mitchell Goldfarb Hunter College	FHF MODULATION OF SODIUM CHANNELS IN BRAIN AND HEART: NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS
10:10 – 10:40	Refreshments
10:40 – 11:05	Fernanda Laezza University of Texas Medical Branch	DEVELOPING FGF14-BASED PROBES TARGETING NEURONAL EXCITABILITY
11:05 – 11:30	Hisashi Umemori Harvard Medical School	THE FGF22–IGF2 SIGNALING REGULATES SYNAPSE STABILIZATION AND AFFECTIVE BEHAVIOR
11:30 – 11:50	Daniel Sinden Weill Cornell Medical College	FGF13 REGULATES OBESITY IN MICE
11:50 – 12:00	Closing Comments

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Prices

Ticket Type	Early Bird	Full Price
Single Choose this option if you will be attending the conference alone, or if you will bring accompanying guests that will not attend the meeting.	$1739	$1839
Shared Choose this option if you wish to share with a colleague who is also attending the conference, or if you wish to be paired with another attendee of the same sex.	$1739	$1839
Student Choose this option if you are a student. Please note all students will be paired with another attendee of the same sex if a room sharer is not specified. If you wish to have your own room, please register under the Single option.	$1236	$1336

Additional Person

This is the cost for an additional adult or child to join you in the same room, for the entire conference period. Accompanying persons are not permitted access to the conference. If you wish to extend your stay, please see our 'Extra night' prices.

Adult

$666

Child

$284

Extra nights

Prices are per person.

Adult

$278

Child

$71

All registration fees include 3 nights accommodation and meals during the conference period. Exact inclusions are detailed below.

Accompanying child fees and extra night child fees are applicable for children aged 5-12 years of age. Children aged 13 years and older are classified as an adult at this venue (Fiesta Americana Condesa).

What's Included in our Registration Fees?

The Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun offers a 24hour all inclusive service. Our registration and additional adult/child fees are inclusive of the following;

- Accommodation for 3 Nights (08, 09, 10 March 2017).
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – available at all restaurants according to operational hours or programmed events.
- International Bar available by the glass in restaurants and bars according to operational hours.
- Pool snacks and International Bar available by the glass at Pool Area.
- Minibar including: soft drinks, domestic beer, bottled water and coffee. Refreshed daily.
- 24 Hour Room Service.
- In Room amenity – Bottle of wine, per room, per stay.
- Gala Night Entry (includes an open bar).
- Complimentary WI-FI throughout the hotel.

Additional nights (per person) are inclusive of the following;

- Accommodation for 1 Night
- Lunch on day of arrival
- Dinner on day of arrival
- Breakfast on day of departure
- International bar available by the glass in restaurants and bars from lunch on day of arrival until breakfast on day of departure

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Grants

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Venue

Fiesta Americana Condesa

This stylish hotel features contemporary Mexican architecture, including one of the largest and most impressive thatched-roof "palapas" in the entire country. There are cultural activities, arts and crafts and sports programs to keep you constantly entertained, plus time to relax and enjoy the Mayan culture, soak up the Caribbean sunshine and revel in the international ambiance that settles in after the sun goes down.

Throughout your stay delegates will enjoy a full meal plan, inclusive of beverages. Take your pick from the aromatic Asian delights at Kaumbu, traditional fare at El Mexicano, delicious international cuisine at Kalmia Buffet or perhaps sample the sumptuous Italian dishes at Rosato. There are also several other dining opportunities such as the Cevichería, Pizzeria, Sushi Corner, pool and lounge bar areas. The Gala Night with either a Mayan or Caribbean theme takes place on the third evening of the conference with a mouth-watering feast of local cuisine, an open bar and amazing local entertainment. We welcome all delegates and their accompanying persons to the Gala Night – a truly fun filled night not to be missed!

Hotel Facilities

Lagoon Pool
Extensive Health Club and Spa
Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas

The Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun is the 2015 Winner of the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and also received the Travellers Choice Award in 2014.

The remains of ancient Mayan cities are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and no trip to Cancun would be complete without a visit to these majestic temples and pyramids set amongst lush tropical vegetation. We will be working very closely with a reputable tour company who will be organising trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba and Xcaret to name a few, some of which may require a full day. Full day excursions will be arranged pre or post conference and may be on an individual or group booking so we would recommend booking extra nights to extend your stay as early as possible to avoid disappointment should these excursions be of interest to you and/or your party. For further information please contact us.

Venue Rating

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Address

Fiesta Americana Condesa, Blvd.KukulkÃ¡n km 16.5 Zona Hotelera, Cancun, 77500 Mexico

Nearest Airport

Cancun International Airport

Location

Cancun is a delightful combination of natural beauty, islands, ecological reserves and white sandy beaches. However, besides sun, sand and sea, this destination also offers an infinite variety of underwater activities to choose from: the diving, snorkelling and fishing here are outstanding and you will find an undersea world packed with tropical fish that live on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Sports enthusiasts might choose one of the many eco-tourism activities, such as cycling or hiking through the tropical forest or kayaking through mangroves, or something a little more adventuresome, like zip lining through the treetops.

Apart from the more well-known ancient Mayan archealogical sites such as Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá you may like to visit the Aktun Chen caverns, voted one of the Top 10 underwater walks by National Geographic described as a truly magical experience.

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Transportation

Cancun International airport is just a short 20 minute journey from the Fiesta Americana Condesa and is easily accessible from almost every country in the world with many major international airlines providing direct or interconnecting flights on a daily basis.

Airport Transfers

Mayan Sky are a reputable and trustworthy DMC based in Cancun. The Mayan Sky team will be on hand to provide a seamless transfer service to and from Cancun International Airport. Mayan Sky will manage and confirm all transportation bookings. To arrange transportation please contact Mayan Sky directly via email, phone or the online booking facility (see links below).

Shuttle Transportation Reservations: http://www.mayansky.com/index.php?fusionconferences2

Private Transportation Reservations: http://www.mayansky.com/index.php?fusionconferences

Conference Shuttle Service

Mayan Sky have arranged a conference shuttle service which will run at scheduled times surrounding our conferences. The conference shuttle schedule can be found below.

Arrivals (Cancun Airport to the Fiesta Americana Condesa)
12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 19:00 hours.

Feb: 20th, 21st, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th
Mar: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th

Departures (Fiesta Americana Condesa to Cancun Airport)
12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 18:00 hours.

Feb: 24th, 27th
Mar: 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, 23rd

$25 per person, each way (includes taxes)

Please allow at least 45minutes from your flight landing time to the shuttle departure time. In the event of any delays or cancellations, please ensure you contact Mayan Sky at least 24hours in advance; if Mayan Sky are not informed within 24hours full cancellation charges will apply (Not notified of flight cancellation: 100% penalty charge, No-Shows: 100% penalty charge).

Upon arrival at the airport, please exit the terminal building and look for ‘Fusion Conferences’ signage where a member of the Mayan Sky team will greet you and escort you to the group transportation.

Please contact Mayan Sky directly to enquire or make a booking. Please direct enquiries to:

David Garcia (Sales, Groups & Marketing Manager)
Telephone: 521 (998) 301 51 58
Email: gventas@mayanskydmc.com

Shuttle Transportation Reservations: http://www.mayansky.com/index.php?fusionconferences2

Private Transportation

Mayan Sky also offer a private transfer service for those travelling outside of the available shuttle dates/times mentioned above. The private transfer service vehicles can accommodate a maximum of 10 persons, plus luggage.

Private Transportation prices to and from Cancun International Airport and to and from the Fiesta Americana Condesa hotel are as follows:

Unit for 1 or 2 Passengers $40 (one way) / $68 (round trip)
Unit for 3 Passengers $45 (one way) / $75 (round trip)
Unit for 4 Passengers $52 (one way) / $79 (round trip)
Unit for 5 to 10 Passengers $58 (one way) / $90 (round trip)

In the event of any delays or cancellations, please ensure you contact Mayan Sky at least 24hours in advance; if Mayan Sky are not informed within 24hours full cancellation charges will apply (Not notified of flight cancellation: 100% penalty charge, No-Shows: 100% penalty charge).

Please contact Mayan Sky directly to enquire or make a booking. Please direct enquiries to:

David Garcia (Sales, Groups & Marketing Manager)
Telephone: 521 (998) 301 51 58
Email: gventas@mayanskydmc.com

Private Transportation Reservations: http://www.mayansky.com/index.php?fusionconferences

** Please note that Fusion Conferences is not responsible for any bookings made with Mayan Sky as transportation is not included within the registration package **

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Local Activities

Half Day Activities

Mayan Sky are a reputable and reliable company offering a variety of fascinating trips and excursions. If you wish to make a booking prior to your arrival, please contact David Garcia at Mayan Sky. If you wish to make a booking onsite at the hotel, please approach the Mayan Sky hospitality desk which will be located alongside the Fusion registration desk.

Please direct enquiries to:
David Garcia (Sales, Groups & Marketing Manager)
Telephone: 521 (998) 301 51 58
Email: gventas@mayanskydmc.com

Our half day tours can be booked during the conference period between the available free times scheduled in the programme. The half day tours are available to both individual and group bookings.

The following activities are available at Aquaworld which is based in the Marina directly opposite the Fiesta Americana Condesa hotel and on the beach, therefore no transportation is necessary.

Aquatwister

Experience Aquaworld’s ultimate tour adventure on board a high speed jet boat ride, Aquatwister. This is a roller coaster of manoeuvres orchestrated by a highly skilled captain and drivers on board and provides an amazing combination of nature, emotion, fun and adrenaline in one adventure.
Duration: 30 minutes

Sky Rider

Live this exciting experience flying in couples above the Caribbean Sea and experience an amazing aerial view.
Duration: 30-40 minutes includes 10 minute flying time at an altitude of 100mtrs

Jungle Tour

The Jungle Tour is considered one of the most popular tours in Cancun. You will enjoy speeding through the dense mangrove channels of the Nichupte Lagoon before snorkelling in the second largest reef barrier in the World.
Duration: 2:15 hrs

Wave Runner

Drive and Speed on board a Yamaha VX 1100 across the Caribbean Sea.
Duration: 30 minutes or 1 hr

Sub See

An extraordinary way to admire the marine life and the reef’s ecosystem without getting wet! Be part of this unique adventure on board The Sub See Explorer, a glass bottom boat from where you will be able to watch the multi-coloured species of the Scorpion´s coral reef.
Duration: 2 hrs.

Fly Board

The Flyboard is the latest craze in water sports sweeping the world, and now you can try it for yourself. Using water jet propulsion from specially designed boot pads, the personal water craft forces water out under extreme pressure sending you soaring into the air to heights of about 5-7 metres.

Full Day Activities

If you wish to make a booking prior to your arrival, please contact David Garcia at Mayan Sky. If you wish to make a booking onsite at the hotel, please approach the Mayan Sky hospitality desk which will be located alongside the Fusion registration desk.

Please direct enquiries to:
David Garcia (Sales, Groups & Marketing Manager)
Telephone: 521 (998) 301 51 58
Email: gventas@mayanskydmc.com

Our full day tours are offered pre and post conference dates. If you require any additional nights at the Fiesta Americana Condesa due to a full day excursion, please ensure you book these in advance to avoid disappointment (through Fusion). The full days tours are available to both individual and group bookings.

Selvatica Extreme Canopy Tour

Over 250 acres of Tropical Jungle, in Selvatica you will be able to experience a unique adventure on the longest zip-line circuit in North America, recognized by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of the 35 great adventures in the World, divided into 12 zip lines varying in lengths and heights from 270 ft. to over 2,000 ft, it will make you fly over the jungle. Then take a ride on a military vehicle through the jungle to get to the natural cenote. With crystal and pristine waters you will be able to swim choosing between a water zip line or the diving platform. Live this unique and exciting adventure and feel the emotion and adrenaline running through your body.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza “, is the 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza which known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is one of the new seven wonders of the world elected in 07.07.2007.

Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto is an incredible underground nature reserve on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Located in the Riviera Maya 3 miles southwest of Playa del Carmen, Rio Secreto is a system of caves carved out over the course of several centuries by an underground river. Stretching approximately 8 miles, with 15 natural outlets, it’s the longest partially flooded cave on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. But what makes Rio Secreto unique is the fact that it’s semi-sunken, which means that you can hike or float through most of it.

Xcaret

Your admission to Xcaret Park allows you to enjoy a natural paradise in Cancun and Riviera Maya, with access to over 40 attractions and activities. We invite you to enjoy a whole day of fun and to assist to cultural events such as the Ritual Ceremony of the Voladores de Papantla, the Mayan Ball Game and the show Xcaret Mexico Espectacular. Dare to live Mexico in Xcaret!

Sail & Snorkel

Enjoy a spectacular day on the crystal clear waters. Sailing from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on board a sailboat. Explore the breath-taking sites of Isla Mujeres one of the wonderful reef in the Caribbean. Join us for a full day of adventure in the most beautiful sea around the world.

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If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Group Activities

We have arranged two exciting group activities for the 2017 FGF participants. Please find the details, timings and prices for the activities below. One activity is scheduled during conference free time and the second for the day after the meeting.
This is a great opportunity to socialise with fellow colleagues outside of the conference whilst taking in the beautiful natural sights of Cancun.

Snorkel Trip- Thursday 9^th March 2017

Departing from Aquaworld marina we take you on a motor boat to "El Meco" marine park. Here you adorn your snorkel gear and you’re ready to take the plunge and snorkel in the crystal clear turquoise waters.

The price per person is $42 USD.

+ $10 USD Marine park/dock fee (to be paid to Aquaworld)
Includes; private boat, snorkel equipment, snorkel guide, 45 minutes for snorkel tour in "El Meco" marine park, water, soda and beers.

Itinerary for Thursday 9^th Mar 2017:
Walk to Aquaworld from hotel- 10/15 minutes (across the road from the hotel)
13:30 – 14:10 Private boat to "El Meco" marine park
14:10 – 14:55 Snorkel tour (45 minutes)
14:55 – 15:35 Private boat return to Aquaworld

*Minimum of 10 people required*

Please note that sign-ups and payment for the trip will need to be made during conference registration at the Mayan Sky Hospitality desk. We will be booking the trip immediately after conference registration.

Mayan Sky will accept both cash and card payments. Please note a surcharge will be added for payments made using card (5% for VISA or Master Card and 6% for AMEX). This is a non-refundable fee should you later change your mind and decide not to participate in the trip.

Chichen Itzá Group Tour – Sunday 12^th March 2017

Discover the essence of the Mayan culture by visiting one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. The visit of Chichen Itza includes a guided tour of 3 hours with time to take pictures. At the end of the tour we go to the restaurant for buffet lunch, followed by the visit of a cenote where people have the possibility to go for a swim.
In addition, when returning to Cancun, we can enjoy a panoramic visit to Valladolid, an ancient Colonial City.

Price: $150 per person

Includes; an air conditioned vehicle, parking, highway fee and tips, entrance/guided tour in the Chichen Itzá archaeological site, entrance and swimming in the Cenote, , visit to Valladolid Colonial City, water, buffet lunch (not including drinks) and a certified Federal Guide.

Itinerary for Sunday 12^th Mar 2017:
07:00 – 09:30 Trip to Chichen Itzá.
09:40 – 12:40 Tour in Chichen Itzá.
12:50 – 13:00 Trip to Cenote.
13:00 – 14:00 Time in Cenote.
14:10 – 14:20 Transfer to Restaurant.
14:20 – 15:20 Buffet lunch.
15:30 – 16:10 Trip to Valladolid.
16:10 – 17:00 Time in Valladolid.
17:10 – 19:40 Trip to Cancun Hotel Zone.

*Minimum of 8 people required*

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Childcare

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Oral Presenters

We have a number of oral opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a talk, please register for the conference and you will be able to submit your abstract online and monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. Please use the abstract template provided and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length. Any abstracts exceeding this size may be cut short during print.

Please take note of the oral submission deadline: 15 October 2016.

Please check the conference programme carefully to note your presentation time (inclusive of Q&A) should you be accepted for an oral presentation. We recommend you check our website regularly as the conference approaches. Regular programme updates will be released under the ‘Programme’ tab on the conference page.

Your Presentation on the Day

If you have prepared some slides to accompanying your talk please ensure you bring these with you on a USB or portable file saving device.

For those presenting on the first day, please email your slides to us so we can have everything prepared and ready for the first session. Please email your slides to: admin@fusion-conferences.com

On the day of your presentation please make yourself known to the AV team who will be available in the conference room. If you have any animations or videos we do advise to run through the presentation with the AV tech to make sure everything is compatible. We also advise that all speakers make themselves known to the AV tech in the conference room immediately before your session beings. The AV tech will apply your microphone and provide a laser pointer should you have an accompanying presentation. We prefer speakers to use our master laptop to run presentations from, however, if you prefer to use your own laptop, please notify us in advance.

It is important that all speakers adhere to their presentation time and respect their fellow presenters. A visual traffic light aide will be available to warn presenters and the audience as your time decreases.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to approach our AV tech or a member of the Fusion team.

Helpful Tips for Presentation Slides

Aspect Ratio: On Screen Show (16:9) and in Landscape Orientation.
Font Size: Minimum font size used should be 24pt.
File Type: Please safe your presentation in PPT or PPTS format.
Video Clips: Please save these separately and do not build them into the PowerPoint. Videos will be played via the AV control desk using the master laptop.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Posters

We have a number of poster opportunities available at this meeting. To be considered for a poster presentation, please register for the conference and you will be able to submit your abstract online and monitor the status of your abstract through your Fusion account. Please use the abstract template provided and ensure your abstract is no longer than one page in length. Any abstracts exceeding this size may be cut short during print.

Please take note of the poster submission deadline: 09 December 2016

Our poster boards can accommodate a maximum poster size of A0 (1189H x 841W mm), portrait in orientation. Posters exceeding this size may not fit on the poster boards provided and therefore we may be unable to display your poster, so please kindly keep to these measurements.

Displaying & Presenting Your Poster

During conference registration if you are presenting a poster please request a poster number from the registration desk. Please do not put up your poster without notifying a member of the Fusion team. Certain adhesive agents are not permitted at some venues therefore; Fusion will be the sole provider of all poster fixings.

You can display your poster from registration. Your poster can remain on display for the entire duration of the conference and we ask that posters are taken down on the final day of the meeting. The poster session is usually scheduled on Day 3, but please check the official programme for exact timings. Refreshments will be provided and the poster prizes will be awarded during the conference Gala Night that evening.

2017 FGF Poster Prize

The conference chairs will be awarding 3 poster prizes for the best poster display and presentation. To be in with a chance of winning, submit your poster by 09 December 2016. The winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner and each winner will receive $250.

Download Abstract Template

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs

Saverio Bellusci

Justus-Liebig-Universitaet Giessen, ECCPS

Conference History

04 Feb 2015, 07 Feb 2015

Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair

Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun, Mexico

The first in the series of the Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Fusion conference. The major goal of this Fusion Conference is to bring together in a single forum the diverse group of researchers who study fibroblast g...

08 Mar 2017, 11 Mar 2017

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

Fiesta Americana Condesa, Cancun, Mexico

15 Feb 2019, 18 Feb 2019

3^rdFibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

Melia Nassau Beach All Inclusive, Nassau, Bahamas

The Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Fusion Conference aims to bring together researchers from different disciplines with an interest in FGF biology/biochemistry and clinical applications. This will be the third FGF Fusion conference, building on tw...

09 Feb 2023, 12 Feb 2023

4^th Growth Factors in Regeneration and Regenerative Medicine Conference

#GFRRM23

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All Inclusive, Cancun, Mexico

If you are interested in this meeting but not yet ready to register, you can 

14 Feb 2025, 17 Feb 2025

5^th Growth Factors in Regeneration and Regenerative Medicine Conference

#GFRRM25

Hilton La Romana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The 5th Growth Factors in Regeneration and Regenerative Medicine Fusion Conference aims to bring together researchers and clinicians from different disciplines with an interest in the function of growth factors and their downstream signalling mole...

Supported By

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

2^nd Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Repair Conference

08 Mar 2017 - 11 Mar 2017

Cancun, Mexico

Chairs