Tadashi Suzuki(RIKEN)
Kazuya Kabayama(Institute for Radiation Sciences, Osaka University)
Jumpei Kondo(Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine)
Tohru Sugawara(Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science)
Suyong Re(National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition)
Masahide Asano(Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine)

The results of glycobiology have contributed to the development of new therapeutic modalities such as antibodies, enzyme replacement therapy for lysosomal diseases, antisense, and xenotransplantation. Furthermore, research on novel glycosylation drug targets and development of novel drug discovery technologies are expected to lead to more effective and safer modalities. This symposium will present the latest results of glycobiology research that will lead to tomorrow's drug modality innovations.

Makoto Arita(Keio University)
Haruki Uchino(RIKEN)
Yasuhiro Murakawa(Kyoto University)
Kazuya Tsumagari(RIKEN)
Hiroshi Tsugawa(Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)

Molecular diversity of lipids makes it highly likely that unknown functions will be discovered. In addition, abnormal lipid metabolism is a background factor in many diseases, which may lead to the discovery of new drug seeds and early diagnosis and treatment. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest findings of spatial multilayer omics approach aimed at elucidating the mechanisms that create, regulate and recognize lipid diversity and its localization in vivo.

Masaharu Somiya(Osaka University)
Natsuko Miura(Osaka Metropolitan University)
Keisuke Motone(Osaka University)
Satoshi Abe(KyotoPrefectural University)
Koji Ooka(The University of Tokyo)

Advances in information science, especially deep learning/AI, and the development of large-scale analysis methods have dramatically advanced biomolecular design technology. Designed biomolecules are important not only for social needs, such as applications in medicine and engineering, but also for their contribution to life science research. The aim of this symposium is to bring together frontrunners in Japan on biomolecular design. We would like to discuss the current status and the future direction of biomolecular design with the audience.

Kentaro Tomii(National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST))
George Chikenji(Nagoya University)
Kei-ichi Okazaki(Institute for Molecular Science)
Naoya Kobayashi(Nara Institute of Science and Technology)
Masahito Ohue(Institute of Science Tokyo)
Yoshitaka Moriwaki(Institute of Science Tokyo)

Five years since the advent of AlphaFold, its use has rapidly spread, and today, structure prediction and structure searches are performed as casually as BLAST sequence homology searches. This has become a routine practice to infer protein functions and interactions. From the perspective of computational research, many new AI technologies have been developed, inspired by the ideas behind AlphaFold. In this symposium, we aim to organize the current state of AlphaFold from the standpoint of computational researchers and discuss what has been made possible by AlphaFold and its surrounding technologies, as well as what challenges remain to be solved in the future.

Hiroshi Nishimasu(The University of Tokyo)
Osamu Nureki(The University of Tokyo)
Makoto Saito
Kazuki Kato
Kotaro Kiga

Enzymes in nature exhibit remarkable diversity and are essential for maintaining biological functions. Extensive studies over the past two decades revealed that diverse CRISPR-Cas enzymes work together with cognate RNA guides to defend against foreign nucleic acids. Following the discoveries of Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, new enzymes have been identified. Furthermore, recent studies identified ancestors of Cas enzymes and eukaryotic homologs. Recent studies also showed that prokaryotes use a variety of defense systems beyond CRISPR-Cas to combat viruses. This symposium will present the forefront of basic research and applied technologies of these new enzymes.

Ritwick Sawarkar(University of Cambridge)
Nadinath Nillegoda(Monash University)
Eisuke Itakura(Chiba University)
Tomohide Saio(Tokushima University)
Ami Sugisawa(Kyoto Sangyo University)

The concept of molecular chaperones was defined in the late 1980s based on their function in assisting protein folding and is now well established as essential factors supporting the life of proteins in the cell and protein homeostasis (proteostasis). However, it has recently become clear that chaperones play roles beyond the conventional paradigm, such as binding to RNA and being directly involved in liquid-liquid phase separation. In this symposium, we would like to provide an opportunity for researchers working on chaperones beyond the conventional view to introduce and discuss the new paradigm of chaperones.

Tomokazu Ito(Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University)
Takeshi Imai(Hyogo Prefectural Institute of Technology)
Tomomi Sumida(JAMSTEC)
Yoko Chiba(RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science)
Shogo Nakano(Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka)

Enzyme and metabolism research is the foundation of biochemistry and remains essential for diverse biochemical studies. Recently, new trends have emerged in this field, supported by vast genome data, evolving omics technologies, and innovative AI. This symposium will feature young researchers presenting their latest findings on topics such as coenzyme dynamics, proteostasis control, enzyme discovery using metagenomics, biosynthetic pathway diversity, and the design of high-performance enzymes. The symposium will provide an opportunity to recognize new trends in this field and consider future directions.

Mieko Arisawa(Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University)
Michito Yoshizawa(Institute of Science Tokyo)
Akiyuki Nishimura(National Insitute for Physiological Sciences / Exploratory Research on Life and Living Systems)
Tianli Zhang(Akita University, Graduate School of Medicine)
Hiroaki Fujita(KyotoUniversity, Graduate School of Medicine)
Yoshiaki Furukawa(Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University)

Redox reactions in living organisms support various higher-order functions. However, redox biomolecules are unstable and short-lived, meaning that the actual forms present in vivo may not always correspond to their structures as currently recognized. These are collectively referred to as redox supermolecules. Research has focused on the exploration of novel redox supermolecules, particularly supersulfides, and the analysis of their chemical properties. This symposium will present the latest findings on the metabolism, biological functions, and medical applications of redox supermolecules.

Yasuo Mori(Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering)

Biological and technological insights of selective sensing/permeability of channels

Noriyuki KiKioka(Kyoto University)
Nozomu Kono(University of Tokyo)
Junichi Ikenouchi(Kyushu University)
Isao Naguro(University of Tokyo)
KYOICHIRO TSUCHIYA(University of Yamanashi)
Satoshi Kuwana(University of Tokyo)

Research on molecular mechanisms of “cell structure and function," including cell adhesion, cell migration, and morphology of cell and cell membrane, has progressed rapidly, partly due to the development of comprehensive analysis and imaging techniques. In the course of these research, it has become clear that “cell structure and function" are deeply related to “metabolism," which is the basis of biochemical research. In this symposium, we will discuss how metabolism affects the structure and behavior of cells and, conversely, how the structure and behavior of cells regulate metabolism, including the relationship with diseases and studies using model organisms.

Hemmo Meyer(University of Duisburg-Essen)
Ichiro Nakagawa(Kyoto University)
Hayashi Yamamoto(Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School)
Yoshihiko Kuchitsu(Tohoku University)
Shuhei Nakamura(Nara Medical University)
Akiko Kuma(Osaka University)

Autophagy is an evolutionally conserved lysosome dependent degradation system. There are several autophagy pathways, including macroautophagy and microautophagy and each pathway is accompanied by characteristic membrane dynamics. Recently findings such as phase separation of autophagic substrates and new functions of autophagy-related gene (ATG) add new perspective in the field. Nevertheless, there are a lot of remaining questions, such as the similarities/differences/crosstalk between macro- and microautophagy. In this symposium, we would like to introduce recent topics in macroautophagy and microautophagy research and discuss the mechanism and significance of autophagy.

Kyosuke Yanagawa (Harvard Medical School)
Eiji Morita (Hirosaki Univerisity)
Yamano Tomoyoshi(Kanazawa University)
Keisuke Goda(The Univeristy of Tokyo)
Shiro Suetsugu(Nara Institute of Science and Technology)
Mitsunori Fukuda(Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University)
Ken Sato(Gunma University)

Cells in multicellular organisms recognize each other through the exchange of materials. This exchange occurs through the secretion of small molecules and the membrane structures for delivering non-secreting materials and organelles. The membrane structures for exchanging materials are generated by the membrane fusion and deformation and are recognized by the target through the receptor-ligand interaction. The engineering of these exchanges helps to understand the physiology and pathology of the organisms, including development and senescence. This symposium will focus on membrane remodeling in these events for their commonalities and differences.

Daniel J Finley(Harvard Medical School)
Kylie J Walters(National Cancer Institute)
Min Jae Lee(Seoul National University)
Eri Sakata(Georg-August-Universität Göttingen)
Yasushi Saeki(The University of Tokyo)
Shigeo Murata(The University of Tokyo)

The composition and abundance of thousands of proteins determine cellular function. Protein degradation, along with synthesis, plays a key role in shaping the proteome. Protein homeostasis is maintained by balancing synthesis and degradation. During processes such as cellular differentiation or functional changes, the protein composition must be reconfigured. While changes in synthesis are well documented, proteolysis also undergoes dynamic shifts. However, the mechanisms of selective and large-scale proteolysis remain unclear. This symposium presents the latest findings on proteome remodeling and novel proteolysis process mechanisms.

Inoue Asuka(Kyoto University)
Ka Young Chung(Sungkyunkwan University)
Arun Shukla(Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur)
Xiangyu Liu(Tsinghua University)

Arrestins are crucial regulators of GPCR signaling, involved in desensitization and signaling pathways distinct from G proteins. While phosphorylated GPCRs and lipid membranes are known to alter structures and functions of arrestins, overall regulatory mechanism remains unclear. This symposium gathers leading Asian GPCR researchers to explore arrestin function through tool development, structural analysis, biochemistry, and cellular studies. We aim to enhance our understanding of arrestin-mediated GPCR signaling regulation and advance the development of arrestin-selective "biased" GPCR agonists. Join us to uncover new insights into this fundamental process and its therapeutic potential.

Mitinori Saitou(Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University )
Azusa Inoue(RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences)
Ichiro Hiratani(RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research)
Anja Groth (University of Copenhagen)
Wei Xie (Tsinghua University)

Epigenetic inheritance and resetting are a foundation for the maintenance and differentiation of cellular phenotype, respectively. On the other hand, their anomalies lead to various diseases. This symposium brings together leading scientists elucidating the mechanism of epigenetic inheritance and resetting at the cellular and developmental levels and discusses their latest findings and their broad implications.

Makoto Tachibana(Osaka University)
Jun-ichi Nakayama(National Institute for Basic Biology)
Takashi Fukaya(The University of Tokyo)
Yukako Hattori(Kyoto University)
Tatsuro Takahashi(Kyushu University)
Yukiko Gotoh(The University of Tokyo)

Chromatin serves as the structural framework for compacting genomic DNA and plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression. The nucleosome, the fundamental unit of chromatin, is composed of DNA and histones and interacts with various macromolecules to modulate genome activity. The structure of chromatin varies across different cell types and states, and its disruption can lead to a range of diseases. In this symposium, we will present research focused on understanding chromatin, which underpins cellular functions and constitutes the foundation of the 'Epicode' that governs cell fate.

Yuichi Shichino(RIKEN)
Hotaka Kobayashi(Tokushima University)
Yoshitaka Matsuo(The University of Tokyo)
Bin Wu(Johns Hopkins University)
Arnaud Hubstenberger(Institut de biologie valrose (iBV) - CNR)

It is often assumed that the amount of RNA within a cell strongly correlates with the amount of protein. However, recent studies have revealed that this is not always the case. In fact, RNA undergoes a wide range of regulation during the translation process, meticulously determining the final quantity and quality of synthesized proteins. These findings have been brought to light through the advent of new technologies for analyzing RNA and translation. In this symposium, we aim to broadly introduce the latest techniques in RNA research, the discoveries made through them, and the new concepts being proposed.

Shingo Kasamatsu(Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University)
Masatomo Watanabe(Fukuyama University)
Yoshifumi Yamaguchi(Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University)
Yuko Okamatsu(Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University)
Akira Murakami(School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka)
Takeshi Sakurai(University of Tsukuba)

Mammalian hibernation is characterized with low body temperature and low metabolism, which is achieved by dramatic metabolic suppression Mammalian hibernation is characterized with low body temperature and low metabolism, which is achieved by dramatic metabolic suppression and deviation from homeothermy. Hibernation has long captured people's interest, and its research history spans over a century. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain a mystery. Recent technological development has made it possible to study mammalian hibernators itself, which were previously difficult to analyze in detail. This symposium will introduce cutting-edge researches that seek to uncover the mechanisms of mammalian hibernation and its relationship to sleep.

Koshi Imami(RIKEN)
Akiko Oguchi(RIKEN)
Seitaro Nomura(the University of Tokyo)
Shintaro Iwasaki(RIKEN)
Mikhail Savitsky(European Molecular Biology Laboratory)

Advancements in next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry have revealed increasingly complex mechanisms regulating gene and protein expression, surpassing the traditional boundaries of the central dogma. These innovations have highlighted previously overlooked gene regulatory processes and molecular interactions. New insights into transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, and the roles of non-coding RNAs, are gaining attention in biology. The evolution of these cutting-edge omics technologies is driving transformative changes in basic and disease research, including drug discovery. This symposium will discuss these breakthroughs and the latest biological findings.

Koutarou Nishimura(Osaka University)
Tsuyoshi Konuma(Yokohama City University)
Keisuke Yamamoto(The University of Tokyo)
Yoshihisa Kobayashi(National Cancer Center Research Institute)
Miwa Tanaka(The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research)
Nobuyuki Kakiuchi(Kyoto University)

This symposium convenes emerging leaders in cancer research to present cutting-edge findings from genomics to organ-level interactions. We aim to foster interdisciplinary discussions on clonal evolution, inter-organ communication, and therapeutic applications based on advances in protein structure, RNA regulation, and chromatin dynamics. This comprehensive approach, spanning multiple biological scales, seeks to deepen our understanding of cancer's complex survival mechanisms and inspire innovative treatment strategies, befitting our centennial celebration.

Motoko Yanagita(Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University)
Eiji Hara(Research Institute of Microbial Diseases, Osaka Univercity)
Aloyoshi Uezumi(Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University)
Masaki Takasugi(Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University)
Kei Igarashi(University of California, Irvine)

This symposium will focus on age-related changes across various organs, examining both the tissue microenvironment and inter-organ networks at cellular and molecular levels. Additionally, it will address the significance of cellular senescence in aged organs and present the findings from proteomic analyses of systemic protein changes associated with aging. Under the session title "Unraveling Aging with Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry," we will feature cutting-edge research presentations in this field. This symposium is co-hosted by JST PRESTO's “Aging" program.

Atsushi Enomoto(Nagoya University)
Yukako Oda(Kyoto University)
Shimpei Kawaoka(Tohoku University)
Tomonori Yaguchi(Kyoto University)
Mizuho Nakayama(Kanazawa University)
Akihisa Fukuda(Kyoto University)

Malignant transformation of tumours progresses through the accumulation of mutations in the oncogenic cells, as well as through interactions with surrounding cells. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the regulating malignancy and advancing treatment strategies.In this symposium, researchers from diverse fields will present their latest research on the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression and immune suppression. The session will provide a platform for discussing emerging concepts and unresolved questions, fostering collaboration and inspiring new approaches to cancer research and treatment development.

Soichiro Fukada(Osaka University)
Takashi Shichita(Institute of Science Tokyo)
Aiko Sada(Kyushu University)
Shinji Tanaka(The University of Tokyo Hospital)
Mashito Sakai(Nippon Medical School)

Regeneration and repair after tissue injury are essential for tissues to regain homeostasis and function. Failure of tissue repair leads to chronic inflammation and the development of various pathological conditions, including age-related diseases. While the process of inflammation after injury is relatively common, the process of tissue repair is unique to each organ and reflects the regenerative and reparative potential. It has becoming clear that the process involves multiple cell types and their complex interactions. In this symposium, we would like to present and discuss the latest research findings on cell-cell interactions and their mechanisms governing tissue repair and homeostasis.

Takeshi Sakurai(International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba)
Koji Ode (Department of Systems Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo)
Takafum Minamimoto(National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology)
Kenta Terai(Tokushima University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences)
Masao Doi(Kyoto University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Biochemistry demonstrates its tremendous power when biochemical parameters determined in vitro explain physiologic phenomena occurring in vivo. Imaging of biochemical signals within living organisms serves as a pivotal foundational technology that facilitates such observations and discoveries. Here, we will introduce the latest research employing approaches to visualize biochemical signals that govern sleep and brain physiology. This includes FRET probes for imaging kinase and G-protein activity fluctuations, neuro-modulation imaging using GRAB sensors, membrane potential imaging using voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins, and non-invasive brain imaging using MRI.

Yu Hayashi(Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo)
Koji Yamanaka(Research Institute of Environmental Science, Nagoya University)
Makoto Higuchi(National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology)
Yukiko Hori(Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo)
Takashi Saito(Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University)

Aggregation and deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau have been recognized as an important pathological mechanism of Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia. In recent years, anti-Aβ antibody drugs have been approved as the treatment of AD. On the other hand, it has become clear that the efficacy of anti-Aβ antibody drugs is limited. There is therefore a need to develop new approaches to the prevention and treatment of AD. This symposium will present and discuss new developments in the future of dementia research by researchers who are elucidating new pathogenic mechanisms and developing innovative diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic techniques for dementia.

Ikuo Kimura(Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University)
Hiroshi Ohno(RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences )
Hisako Kayama(Osaka University)
Satoshi Uematsu(Osaka Metropolitan University)

It is becoming clear that the intestinal bacteria (microbiome) act on the host and play a pivotal role in maintaining health. Certain commensal bacteria have been shown to regulate the function of epithelial cells, immune cells in the intestinal mucosa, and other distant tissues. It is also becoming clear that the function of the metabolites produced by commensal bacteria is important as the mechanism of action. Furthermore, it has become clear that abnormalities in the balance of the microbiome are deeply related to the pathology of various diseases. In this symposium, we would like to discuss the microbiome's interaction with the host and its involvement with diseases.

Sidonia Fagarasan(RIKEN)
Kenji Chamoto(京都大学)
Yosuke Togashi(Okayama University)
Yusuke Endo(Kazusa DNA Research Institute)
Di Yu(The University of Queensland)

The mechanisms by which metabolic pathways and metabolites influence immune cell function remain largely unexplored. In this symposium, five researchers will present their latest findings on these topics. The discussion will focus on the roles of mitochondria, fatty acid metabolism, metabolites oxidative stress in immune responses and tumor immunity. Energy metabolism, composed of interconnected pathways, maintains homeostasis, and its disruption can lead to various diseases. By regulating energy metabolism, there is potential to treat immune disorders, including tumor immunity. Here we will explore new therapeutic approaches based on these emerging insights.

Atsushi Kumanogoh(Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University)
Sho Yamasaki(Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University)
Junichi Kikuta(Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University)
Osamu Takeuchi(Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University)

Inflammation is induced not only by exogenous stresses such as infection but also by endogenous stresses and is involved in many diseases. Various mechanisms regulate inflammation, and we would like to discuss frontline research in controlling inflammation from the point of view of multiple layers including molecular metabolism, cells, and organ relationships.

Yosuke Katsuda(Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University)
Teigo Asai(Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University)
Hiroki Akiba(Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University)
Ryosuke Kojima(Graduate School of Medicine, The Univerisity of Tokyo)
Fumika Yakushiji(Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University)

In drug discovery research, new strategies leveraging chemical biology approaches are attracting attention, and these are contributing to the creation of new therapeutic modalities that cannot be obtained through classical ligand screening or phenotypic screening. In this symposium, we invite 5 young researchers from a wide range of fields such as nucleic acid chemistry, natural product chemistry, antibody/protein engineering, exosome, and epigenetics to deepen our understanding of the diversifying chemical biology research in drug discovery and to discuss future directions of drug discovery research.

Katsumi Maenaka(Hokkaido University)
Koga Hikaru(Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.)
Mitsuo Umetsu(Tohoku University)
Yoshimasa Kawaguchi(Kyoto University)
Yuji Ito(Kagoshima University)

Antibody drugs have established their position as therapeutics for diseases, particularly cancer and autoimmune diseases, but various developments are still ongoing to establish treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases. Among them, we planned and organized this symposium focusing on new approaches to drug discovery by antibody engineering. We would like to discuss the possibilities of new drug discovery based on these approaches, including future prospects.

Michael Borg(Department of Algal Development and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology)
Kensuke Kataoka(National Institute for Basic Biology)
Tetsuya Hisanaga(Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology)
Misato Ohtani(Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo)
Yoko Ikeda(Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University)

In the process of evolution, extant organisms have evolved from a common ancestor and optimized growth and development strategies genetically and epi-genetically. Here we will focus on unique epigenomic regulation of reproduction, stem cell maintenance and morphogenesis in various species from aquatic organisms such as algae and Tetrahymena to land plants such as bryophytes, Arabidopsis and barley. By reviewing these findings along evolutionary pathways and comparing them with well-known animal systems, we will discuss how epigenomic regulatory systems have changed during the evolutionary process of adaptation from water to land, and the impact and importance of these changes.

Kazuhiro Hayashi(Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science And Technology)
Leslie McIntosh(Digital Science)
Takashi Sutani(University of Tokyo)

AI is an essential tool in future research activities; however, the expansion of "Fake Science" through AI could undermine the trust in research. Researchers' responsibilities to society have recently gained attention within the context of "Responsible Research and Innovation." As part of this trend, the practice of "Open Science" is being encouraged. Producing trustworthy research through a highly transparent process is also crucial for us to build an appropriate relationship with AI. In this symposium, we will discuss the current state and prospects of Open Science and explore how researchers should be in the future with the audience.