1. Understanding Life Sciences Through Cellular Senescence Research

Organizer: Akiko Takahashi (Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research), Takehiko Kobayashi (The University of Tokyo)

Organismal aging is an unavoidable fate that humanity has faced since ancient times, and it remains a mystery that continues to fascinate many researchers. In recent years, the importance of cellular senescence as a fundamental mechanism of organismal aging has been revealed, and its connection to age-related diseases and functional decline is gradually becoming clearer. In this symposium, we will discuss the latest topics in cellular senescence research with scientists who are striving to understand life sciences through the advancement of research in cellular senescence.

2. Enhancer function in development and disease

Organizer: Noriko Saitoh (The Cancer Institute of JFCR), Takashi Fukaya (The University of Tokyo)

Enhancers are non-coding regulatory DNA elements that control the temporal and spatial specificity of gene transcription in development. Recent whole genome studies suggest that enhancer polymorphism is highly associated with phenotypic variations and disease risks among populations. Therefore, addressing the question of how enhancers function in development and disease has become increasingly important. In this symposium, we will discuss emerging models of transcriptional regulation by enhancers.

3. Evo-devo of the nervous system from a cellular perspective

Organizer: Tatsumi Hirata (National Institute of Genetics), Yan Zhu (National Institute of Genetics)

Researchers have long studied nervous system cells, initially focusing on morphology and function, and later on molecular characteristics. Recent advancement in genomics, especially high-throughput single-cell genomics, open the door to addressing fundamental questions on the development and evolution of the nervous system, such as the origin of the first neuron, and the conservation and the diversification of cell types. At this symposium, experts will share their findings on these topics, combining insights from developmental and evolutionary biology, studying non-model organisms, and using single-cell technologies and comparative genomics with new computational methods.

4. Frontier Research on mechanisms underlying the evolution of human brain

Organizer: Ikuo Suzuki (The University of Tokyo), Ryohei Iwata (VIB-KU Leuven)

Humans have evolved outstanding cognitive abilities by enlarging and complexifying their cerebral cortex. In this symposium, we will invite leading scientists who utilize state-of-the-art technologies in the field to approach human brain evolution. Through sharing recent findings and discussing with international experts, we aim to enhance our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive human brain evolution.

5. Build and See: Toward Understanding the Nascence of Life

Organizer: Katsuhiko Hayashi (Osaka University), Mitinori Saitou (Kyoto University)

Recent advances in technologies for in vitro culture systems, genome editing, and live imaging are leading us to new horizons in developmental biology and medicine. This symposium will highlight how these advances, particularly through approaches involving the reconstitution of biological processes followed by investigation, are deepening our understanding of germline formation and early embryogenesis.

6. Multicellular behavior through intraspecies cell-cell communication in unicellular microorganisms

Organizer: Yoko Yashiroda (RIKEN), Masaya Oki (University of Fukui)

Unicellular organisms have been conventionally thought to conduct their life activities independently within each cell. However, there have been many reports of their multicellular behavior due to cell-cell communication mediated by various substances. This symposium will explore collective behavior of the unicellular microorganism yeast, driven by intraspecies cell-cell communication, and present techniques for metabolite and single-cell analysis to uncover the underlying mechanisms. We will also discuss the survival strategies of unicellular organisms.

7. The Mechanobiology Theater: Behind the Scenes of Mechanical Signals

Organizer: Fumio Motegi (Hokkaido University), Erina Kuranaga (Kyoto University)

This symposium delves into the forefront of mechanobiology, examining how cells and tissues sense and respond to mechanical forces. The speakers will present diverse perspectives on topics such as cellular mechanosensing, tissue morphogenesis, and cell movement. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of mechanical signals into cellular processes, including cell fate decisions, polarity, and tissue development. Insights from plants, animals, and cutting-edge live imaging will be discussed, shedding light on the role of mechanical forces across different biological systems.

8. Limitation in Evolution and its Evolvability

Organizer: Naoki Irie (SOKENDAI), Takashi Tsuchimatsu (The University of Tokyo)

Evolution does not occur freely in any direction, but it is always biased and constrained. What explains these phenomena? These limitations arise not only from external factors such as natural selection, but also from intrinsic factors, such as the developmental system. In this symposium, we will be overviewing potential factors and mechanisms behind the limited evolution in various organisms including plants and animals. Understanding the mechanism of this limited evolution may pave the way to introducing a predictive aspect to modern evolutionary theory.

9. Trans-Scale Biology: Exploring New Frontiers with Novel Model Organisms

Organizer: Shuji Shigenobu (National Institute for Basic Biology), Akiko Satake (Kyushu University)

Recent advances, such as genome editing, sequencing, omics, and imaging, have enabled biologists to explore life science at multiple scales—from molecules and cells to organs, individuals, and ecosystems— through an approach termed as "Trans-Scale Biology." This approach now extends to the use of non-traditional model organisms.This symposium aims to promote the exchange of ideas and discoveries across species and research disciplines, highlighting the potential of Trans-Scale Biology.

10. Deciphering the epicode of chromatin controling cell fate decisions

Organizer: Makoto Tachibana (Osaka University), Jun-ichi Nakayama (Natonal Institute for Basic Biology)

Chromatin plays a key role in the regulation of gene expression. However, it is unclear how gene expression during development and differentiation is regulated through chromatin structure to determine the cell fate. A higher-order chromatin structure organized by multiple regulatory layers in specific cell types can be an acquired code, or “epicode”. We are aiming to reveal how epicode is established and defines the cell fate.