プログラム
Program
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Speakers : Yasushi Kawaguchi(Tokyo University),Yoshiyuki Goto(Chiba University),Sho Yamasaki(Osaka University),Matthew K. Waldor(Harvard Medical School),Stefan Kaufman(Max Plank Institute)
Based on the national strategy “Strategy for Strengthening the Vaccine Development and Production System” approved by the Japanese Cabinet in June 2021, with the aim of developing domestic vaccines, Japan Initiative for World-leading Vaccine Research and Development Centers has been started in October 2022 with The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research (a flagship center) and four synergy centers (Hokkaido University Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Chiba University Synergy Institute for Futuristic Mucosal Vaccine Research and Development, Osaka University Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, and Nagasaki University Vaccine Research and Development Center, DEJIMA Infectious Desease Research Alliance). In this session, we will explain the overall picture of the group, and by giving lectures on the vaccine research and development being undertaken at each institute, we hope to help members of the Japanese Society of Bacteriology understand the content and goals of the activities of the individual institutions participating in the group of centers, and explore the possibility of members’ commitment to vaccine development.
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Co-sponsorship : The Japanese Society for Biofilm Research
Many microbes demonstrate a various functions and act on other microbes, host plants and animals as microbial communities by forming biofilms. Commensal bacteria in intestine and pathogenic microbes that cause infections form biofilms and also many microbes exist by forming biofilm in various environments including soil and water. Because microbes that relate to our health, foods and environment form biofilm, it is important to understand the mechanisms of biofilm formation in order to control these microbes.Researches on formation mechanisms and regulation of biofilm are recently advanced and new imaging methods of biofilm analysis are also developed. In this symposium, leading scientists in medicine, dentistry, engineering, and life and environment will present their recent findings on microbial biofilms in collaboration between the Japanese Society for Bacteriology and the Japanese Society for Biofilm Research.
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Speakers : Tamazawa Satoshi(NITE-NBRC), Yoshiaki Kawamura(AichiGakuin Univ),Kaori Tanaka(Gifu Univ),Takuro Nunoura(JAMSTEC),Mitsuo Sakamoto(RIKEN)
The taxonomy of bacteria is constantly evolving as new technologies are introduced over time. In the past, bacteria were classified based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. Later, with the advent of PCR and Sanger DNA sequencers, phylogenetic classification based on nucleotide sequence comparisons of genes such as 16S rRNA became prevalent. In recent years, the widespread use of next-generation sequencers has enabled the determination of entire chromosomal sequences of bacteria, leading to new classification methods using this data. Furthermore, metagenomic approaches are increasingly being adopted, allowing for the simultaneous analysis of all bacteria present in a sample. Given the rapid advancement of DNA analysis technology, a novel concept known as “”SeqCode”” has emerged, suggesting that it may be possible to propose new bacterial species based solely on DNA data without the need for culturing.
We will review these changes in classification, discuss current classification methods, the approach and issues of bacterial identification in the genomic era, and introduce an overview of SeqCode, contrasting it with current naming conventions, as well as the role of biological resource centers. We aim to provide a platform for discussion on these topics.
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Speakers : Kohei Arasaki(Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences),Tomoko Kubori(Gifu Universty),Ichiro Nakagawa(Kyoto University),Minsoo Kim(Kyoto University),Jonathan Pruneda(Oregon Health & Science University),Jorn Coers(Duke University)
The ubiquitin modification system, universally present in eukaryotic cells, serves as a central mechanism for maintaining and regulating cellular functions. In pathogen infections, the role of the ubiquitin system is broad, driving immune responses through inflammation signaling pathways, phagocytosis, and autophagy to eliminate pathogens. Recently, it has been revealed that ubiquitin modification targets not only proteins but also lipids and glycans. Meanwhile, certain pathogens are known to evade host immunity by manipulating the ubiquitin system through bacterial effectors. Moreover, functional analysis of these effectors has led to the discovery of many new chemistries related to ubiquitin modifications, fostering an emerging trend in cross-disciplinary research. This symposium will present cutting-edge research from diverse perspectives, covering mechanisms from pathogen elimination via ubiquitin to the manipulation of the ubiquitin system by pathogenic bacteria, unveiling the complex battle between host cells and pathogens through “ubiquitin” within the cell.
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Co-sponsorship : Shimadzu Coporation
Since the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the usefulness of wastewater monitoring has been highlighted. Wastewater monitoring is especially valuable for early detection of pathogens of potentially widespread infectious diseases, making it essential for future pandemic preparedness. However, knowledge regarding microorganisms in the atmosphere and oceans remains insufficient. This symposium will discuss monitoring efforts in Japan across various environments, including air, rivers, oceans, and wastewater, as well as the current status and future perspectives on AMR (antimicrobial resistance) monitoring.
Speakers : Masaki Ishii(Musashino University),Yasuhiko Matsumoto(Meiji Pharmaceutical University),Tsuyoshi Yamada(Teikyo University),Naoki Hayashi(Maruho Co., Ltd.),TBA
The skin is a very familiar organ to us, as infected foci and lesions are visible to the naked eye and itching and pain on the skin can be approached by using our hands. Although it is the front line in the struggle against pathogens, there is not much known about the pathogens that infect the skin and the detailed mechanisms underlying skin inflammation and wound infection. The skin, which is the primary barrier to the outside environment, has a unique microflora that plays a host-protective role, but it is thought that dysbiosis, skin damage, or inflammatory responses caused by interactions between microflora and the host can lead to various pathological conditions. In this session, speakers will present their findings on fungi and bacteria that infect the skin and cause damage, with the aim of deepening our understanding of these organisms.
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Speakers : Gabriel Nunez(University of Michigan),Matthew K. Waldor(Harvard Medical School),Renee M. Tsolis(University of California, Davis),Ken Cadwell(University of Pennsylvania)
Data indicate that the number of students pursuing long-term study abroad opportunities has decreased by 50% since its peak at the beginning of 2000. This decline is primarily attributed to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. However, even prior to this, there was a perceptible reduction in the number of young researchers selecting study abroad as a career trajectory. Researching abroad is not only the challenge of establishing a new life in a different linguistic and cultural environment and developing one’s research internationally, but also provides opportunities to expand one’s network of research colleagues globally and enhance future research endeavors. This symposium will feature four leading Principal Investigators from international institutions who have mentored Japanese students and conducted high-impact research. They will present their latest research findings and share their experiences collaborating with Japanese researchers. The aim of this symposium is to inspire and motivate young researchers considering study abroad opportunities to pursue such endeavors.
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Speakers : Aki Hirabayashi(National Institute of Infectious Diseases),Kasumi Kuroki(National Institute of Infectious Diseases),Hiroshi Hamamoto(Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine),Minoru Nagi(National Institute of Infectious Diseases),Hiroji Chibana(Medical Mycology Reseach Center, Chiba University)
We will explore the epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from a One Health perspective and show the correlation between antibiotic-resistant factors in humans, livestock, food, and the environment through bacterial genome analysis. In addition, following the 2016 AMR Action Plan, we will report on trends in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Japan and around the world, based on the new 2023 action plan. Based on these current situations, we will explore innovative approaches to the development of infectious disease drugs and share information that will be useful for next-generation treatment strategies.
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Co-sponsorship : JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (B) The reason why microbes are moving, AMED
Organ-on-a-chip technology, which utilizes microfluidic devices to form tissues and organs, has attracted considerable attention in recent years and is being applied to the understanding of infectious process. This approach of mimicking living tissue is an important technological tool for understanding host-pathogen interactions in infectious diseases. This session will highlight innovative research and technological perspectives emerging at the intersection of microbiology and micro-nano engineering. We will share the latest research results and discuss the utility of integrative research with science and engineering and its limitations and potential for infectious disease research.
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Speakers : Taiki Ito(Osaka University),Takayuki Kuraishi(Kanazawa University),Daisuke Takahashi(Keio University),Kouyuki Hirayasu(Kanazawa University),Kensuke Shibata(Yamaguchi University)
The immune system constitutes a specialized network evolved to recognize and eliminate pathogens, such as pathogenic bacteria, and has conventionally been regarded as surveilling for “external” invasions. However, recent findings have elucidated that numerous immune sensors, which mediate both innate and adaptive immunity, are capable of recognizing “internal” self-derived molecules. This discovery indicates that these sensors play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by detecting quantitative and qualitative variations in self-molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, glycans, and metabolites. Moreover, it has become increasingly apparent that self-molecules encompass not only host-derived components but also symbiotic bacteria, which are recognized as integral parts of the self. In this symposium, we focus on the relationship between bacteria and host through the concept of self-referential immune perception.
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Co-sponsorship : American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
This symposium provides a platform for international students and postdocs working in Japan to introduce their pioneering research in English. By bringing together a diverse group of researchers, we aim to foster a collaborative environment that encourages the exchange and sharing of ideas and promotes the advancement of bacteriology. Presenters can apply for this workshop at the same time as their poster presentation. In case of a large number of applicants, priority will be given to international students. Presentation awards will be given to the top few presenters by ASM Country Ambassodr of Science.
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Co-sponsorship : Japanese Society of Tropical Medicine
The spread of infectious diseases is complicated by factors such as culture, economic conditions, infrastructure, environmental challenges, and educational level, varying widely between countries and regions, and the scale of impact can be seen as a social indicator of these disparities. Various infectious diseases, including those classified by the WHO as ‘neglected tropical diseases,’ still cause enormous damage in poorer tropical regions, even relatively minor in developed countries. In this workshop, under the auspices of the Japanese Society of Tropical Medicine, five researchers at the forefront of research will present on bacterial infections common in tropical areas, including cholera, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and leptospirosis. Each speaker’s research on pathogenicity, biological defenses, and epidemiological monitoring forms the crucial basis for advancing infectious disease risk management. By highlighting current issues and challenges related to bacterial infections in the tropics, we aim to build a foundation for advancing global health initiatives and promoting equitable healthcare solutions worldwide.
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Speakers : Takahiro Yamaguchi(Osaka Institute of Public Health),Junji Seto(Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health),Hiromi Nakamura(Osaka Institute of Public Health),Akiko Kubomura(Japan Institute for Health Security),Hisaya Ono(Kitasato University)
We hope that the introduction of actual cases will help the audience deepen their understanding of the epidemiology of food poisoning and infectious diseases, identify problems, and develop collaborative research that leads to solutions to problems.
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Speakers : Jumpei Washio(TOHOKU UNIVERSITY),Shinya Kageyama(KYUSHU UNIVERSITY),Miki Kawada-matsuo(HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITY),Akito Sakanaka(OSAKA UNIVERSITY),Shimpei Kawamoto(OSAKA UNIVERSITY)
A wide variety of bacteria coexist in the oral cavity, which is the entrance to the digestive tract, and form a complex but stable commensal microflora.
In recent years, it has become clear that the bacteria that consist the oral microbiota are involved not only in oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease, but also in the overall health of the human being. In the future, it is expected that understanding and controlling the structure and dynamics of the oral microbiota will become more important in promoting our health.
In this symposium, we will discuss the system of the oral commensal microflora while introducing the latest research from each speaker who has been involved in research focusing on oral commensal bacteria. We hope that this workshop will lead to the establishment of a health approach based on microbiological knowledge.
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Speakers : Shuto Ikeda(Waseda University),Mei Nakayama(Meiji Pharmaceutical University),Tomoyoshi Kaneko(Waseda University),Mana Tohyama(Rakuno Gakuen University),Mone Mimura(Osaka Metropolitan University),Uki Kimura(Tottori University),Genta Shima(Kyoto University)
The Wakate Colosseum for Bacteriology is an academic meeting that aims to provide a platform for mutual growth and intellectual exchange for young researchers who will shape the future of bacteriology. The Wakate Colosseum brings together young researchers from various specialties gather under the common theme of “microorganisms” to openly discuss questions and ideas. This conference not only fosters individual growth as scientists but also supports the establishment of new networks and the expansion of bacteriology in Japan. The 18th Wakate Colosseum for Bacteriology, supported by the Japanese Society for Bacteriology, was held on 27-29 September in 2024 at Osaka Metropolitan University and featured presentations and discussions on cutting-edge topics such as antibiotic resistance, infection strategies, motility, physiology, and genetic engineering. In this workshop, as feedback to the members of the Japanese Society for Bacteriology, we plan to provide a report on the activities of the 18th Colosseum and offer research presentations by young researchers who gave outstanding talks during the event.
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Speakers : Kiyofumi Ohkusu(Tokyo Medical University),Ryoichi Saito(Institute of Science Tokyo),Masashi Yanagihara(Osaka University),Noriko Nakanishi(Kobe Institute of Health),Torahiko Okubo(Hokkaido University),Anna Wakui(Niigata University of Health and Welfare)
To diagnose and treat bacterial infections, it is necessary to identify the causative bacteria and the presence or absence of drug resistance, and clinical laboratory technicians are responsible for this task. Clinical laboratory technicians and faculty members at their training institutions are engaged in a wide range of research, from developing new testing methods that can accurately and quickly determine the causative bacteria and drug resistance of infectious diseases, to epidemiological research to understand the trends of various pathogens, to environmental microbiology and bacterial characterization research, in addition to their daily work. In this session, we will focus on various bacteriological research being conducted by researchers in the field of clinical laboratory science, such as clinical laboratory technicians and faculty members at clinical laboratory science institutions, who have not been featured much in the Japanese Society for Bacteriology until now, and hope to contribute to expanding the diversity of academic fields and occupations within the society.
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Speakers : Hideki Hara(Asahikawa Medical University),Shigeaki Matsuda(Osaka University),Hiroshi Ashida(Institute of Science Tokyo),Tomoe Kitao(Hokkaido University),Masaya Yamaguchi(NIBIOHN)
One of the factors contributing to the severity of bacterial infections is the expression of pathogenic factors, such as bacterial toxins and effectors. Most pathogenic factors require specific receptors to exhibit biological activity. Additionally, the accurate transmission of signals from receptors to downstream molecules within the cell influences the host’s immune response and phenotype. Moreover, during actual infections, multiple receptors can be activated simultaneously since bacteria express numerous ligands, resulting in inflammatory responses that reflect their interactions. In other words, demonstrating the functions of pathogenic factors in infections will be important at the cellular and organismal levels. In this session, we will present the latest research that encompasses bacterial virulence factors, the receptors and signaling molecules necessary for their biological activities, and discuss the pathogenic mechanisms that are closer to the realities of infectious diseases.
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Speakers : Hiroaki Yabuuchi(Tanabe public health center),Satoshi Uematsu(Osaka Metropolitan University),Mayuko Osada-Oka(Kyoto Prefectural University),Masami Miyake(Osaka Metropolitan University),Kiyosi Kita(Nagasaki Univeristy)
Research on antimicrobial substances derived from natural products has a long history, some of which led to the discovery and development of antibiotics. However, with the growing issue of drug resistance, traditional drug developmental approaches are at a crucial stage of reconsideration. In recent years, significant advances in imaging technology, genomics, informatics, and structural biology have enabled us to screen for antimicrobial activity from fresh perspectives. Additionally, studies have shown successful applications of intermediary metabolites from organisms for microbial control. Further, new approaches are emerging to better understand biological phenomena through the use of both known and unknown natural antimicrobial agents. This symposium will introduce key examples of these efforts, reaffirming the potential of natural substances and exploring possible future strategies in this field.