2022 International Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) Research Conference

Project Summary Our purpose is to: 1) Review exciting advances in single cell RNAseq estrogen/uterine signaling, immunotherapy and metabolic processes that are relevant to LAM, 2) Provide a forum for LAM Clinic Directors to promote best practices, refine LAM Guidelines, discuss difficult cases, and set priorities, 3) Set the stage for sustainable

scientific progress by encouraging and nurturing the early career researchers (ECRs), and 4) Enable full immersion and integration of patients and families into all facets of the symposium to design research that addresses their priorities. The meeting will completely occupy the Hilton Rosemont in Chicago, a conference

facility and hotel within two miles of Chicago O’Hare Airport. ECRs will be encouraged by prioritizing speaker slots, travel and lodging reimbursement, and arranging an exclusive ECR social following the poster session. Active engagement with peers, mentors, and patients will introduce young scientists to the joys of a career in

goal oriented, disease-focused research and help recruit and retain them to study LAM. Four half-day plenary sessions composed of invited speakers and platform presentations from selected abstracts will form the core of the meeting on Friday and Saturday. The basic and translational focus of the meeting will be on improved

understanding of the tumor microenvironment, and identification of molecular targets and clinically useful biomarkers, using novel approaches that include advanced imaging, single cell RNA sequencing, metabolomics and clues from known intersection of mTOR signaling with uterine/estrogen biology. A poster session and

discussion focused to junior investigators will be held on Friday afternoon. Clinical talks will be incorporated into most sessions to hold the attention of an audience with diverse areas of interest and expertise. A concurrent patient-oriented seminar series will address key issues for ~200 LAM patients and family members, culminating

in a summary of scientific sessions by the conference chairs on Sunday. A LAM Clinic Directors meeting will be convened on Friday evening to discuss challenging cases and set priorities for the network. Each session will be chaired by an expert and include invited speakers as well as speakers chosen from submitted abstracts, with a

focus on ECR recruitment. There has been a conscious effort to attract diverse investigators from related disciplines who can complement the expertise of LAM investigators. Discussions facilitated by an experienced leader/moderator will be an importantcomponent of all sessions. Outstanding ECRs will be awarded travel grants

based on merit and will begiven the opportunity to present their research in platform and poster formats. Specific attention will be given to ensure the speaker portfolio represents gender, racial and ethnic diversity. In summary, our goal is to provide a forum for experts to discuss the molecular and cellular basis of LAM,

review the clinical management of LAM, to present cutting edge research, integrate concepts, identify creative and innovative research directions, and ultimately, improve the health and quality of life of patients with LAM.