Advancing Muscle Science: Highlights from the 2025 Society for Muscle Biology Conference

The 2025 Society for Muscle Biology conference, themed "Innovations in Myogenesis: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Interventions," was developed to advance the field's mission of understanding and expanding knowledge about muscle development, function, genetics, interactions with neurons and other cell types, disease, and repair. Held from October 6–10, 2025 in Sunriver Oregon, the conference brought together leading researchers to present cutting-edge findings across diverse areas including muscle stem cell regulation, emerging technologies to counteract muscle aging, and novel therapeutic strategies for muscular diseases.

A key highlight was the presentation by Helen Blau, who delivered a talk titled "Enhancing muscle strength in aging by targeting the gerozyme 15-PGDH" during Session 6 on October 9. Her research focuses on the age-related upregulation of 15-PGDH, an enzyme that degrades prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and how its inhibition can rejuvenate muscle stem cell function and improve regeneration in aged tissues. This work aligns with her lab's broader efforts to  combat sarcopenia and has significant implications for regenerative medicine.

The schedule also indicates active participation from former members of the Blau lab. Notably, Will Wang, a former lab member, presented during the conference. The conference fostered collaboration through dedicated networking times, poster sessions, and professional development workshops, creating a dynamic environment for scientific exchange. Overall, the 2025 meeting served as a vital platform for disseminating breakthroughs in myogenesis.