Abstract

This FASEB Science Research Conference is the only international meeting that focuses on the full profile of matricellular proteins and stands alone as being the single opportunity for the matricellular biology community to come together to share ideas and facilitate cross-fertilization of ideas. Interaction with scientists from around the globe on this topic is particularly advantageous for the career development of young researchers and for researchers with newly developed interests in matricellular signaling. With the emphasis placed on bringing together representatives from various fields of study, scientists can be exposed to the preceding knowledge base of the field and also have an opportunity to cross-fertilize their own research with a renewed perspective.