Life in Universe: Diversity in the building blocks, environments, and biological functions

Organizer: Hikaru Yabuta (Hiroshima University), Shino Suzuki (JAXA ISAS / RIKEN)

Our scientific understanding on life on Earth has been remarkably improved since the beginning of molecular biology in 1950s. On the other hand, we do not know what "Universal Life" is, as Earth-life is the only life we know of, for now. In order to determine the true definition of life, it is necessary to unveil the origin and evolution of life in space and to investigate habitability of planets other than Earth. This session will address the diversity of possible building blocks of life, environments, and biological functions on Earth and planets by integration of the latest researches in geochemistry, microbiology, bioscience, and space explorations.

Promise and Impact of Stem Cell and Organoid BioMedical Science

Organizer: Takanori Takebe (Osaka University), Toshiro Sato (Keio University)

The burgeoning fields of Stem Cell Research and Organoid Technology are paving the way toward unparalleled insights into previously inaccessible facets of biomedical science. Our symposium, by weaving together advanced molecular biology platforms, will feature innovative research directions that illuminate fundamental biological principles through the lens of stem cell and organoid research. These emergent technologies serve as pivotal tools to bring the future trajectory of biomedical science into new dimensions.

Redefining the conventional view of translation

Organizer: Hideki Taguchi (Institute of Science Tokyo), Akinobu Matsumoto (Nagoya University)

The common view of translation is transforming drastically. Translation dynamics are highly diverse and flexible, and gene expression regulation at the level of translation contributes much more to cellular processes than expected. Disruption or perturbation of such regulatory systems is associated with human health and disease. This symposium aims to share the current status of translation dynamics with researchers that challenge the conventional view.

Kick-back Biology: Unraveling the Mysteries of Biological Standby

Organizer: Genshiro Sunagawa (RIKEN), Sakiko Honjoh (University of Tsukuba)

Kick-back Biology examines life’s standby modes, such as hibernation, sleep, and various dormancies. This symposium unveils the principles and molecular details of these pauses, highlighting organisms’ adaptive responses. We aim to explore life’s intentional interruptions and continuations. While our topics may be about ‘kicking back,’ we urge attendees not to kick back and to stay engaged and reflect deeply throughout the session.

Chromatin Landscapes: Charting new frontiers in genome regulation

Organizer: Yasuyuki Ohkawa (Kyushu University), Hitoshi Kurumizaka (The University of Tokyo)

About 40 trillion of cells that make up the body have the same blueprint (genetic information) but produce different organs in humans. This is accomplished by chromatin landscape, which emerges as vital orchestrators of genome function. The aim of this symposium is to shed light on the latest advancements and insights surrounding chromatin landscapes, offering a comprehensive exploration of their pivotal role in genome regulation.

ASBMB-MBSJ joint symposium: Functional RNAs in development and disease

Organizer: Yuka W. Iwasaki (RIKEN), Noriko Saitoh (The Cancer Institute of JFCR)

RNA is a biomolecule capable of exhibiting a wide range of functions through its structure and/or modifications. This symposium, held in conjunction with the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), will feature researchers from both Australia and Japan. They will introduce the mechanisms by which various properties of RNA contribute to the suppression of transposons, and transcriptional and epigenomic regulation in development, cancer, and neurological disorders. Through these latest studies, we aim to deepen the discussion on the potential of functional RNAs.

Unraveling the Mechanisms of Aging with New Perspectives and Technology

Organizer: Aiko Sada (Kyushu University), Kyoko Miura (Kumamoto University)

Aging is a gradual decline in physiological functions over time. As aging progresses, tissues and cells exhibit characteristic biochemical changes known as the hallmarks of aging. However, the roles of these molecules in diverse species and organs, and how these factors contribute to aging in the organism as a whole, remain to be elucidated. This symposium will integrate new ideas and cutting-edge technologies on the biology of aging and discuss potential intervention strategies for healthy aging.

The genomic basis of "exploratory" reproductive strategies.

Organizer: Sota Fujii (The University of Tokyo), Takashi Akagi (Okayama University)

Living organisms have established various reproductive systems to maintain genetic diversity within a species. Some lineages have recurrently evolved more adaptable reproductive strategies via scraping and rebuilding the mechanisms once established. Here, with a broad perspective on the evolution of life forms, we will discuss the basis of genomic dynamics that trigger such "exploratory" evolution of reproductive mechanisms, which continually update existing conventional systems.