Program

Outline:Abnormalities in epigenomes are now observed in most human disorders and are likely to be causally involved in a substantial fraction of them. This is because epigenomes have sophisticated regulatory mechanisms to maintain their status, and abnormalities of the mechanisms and epigenomic abnormalities induced by the environment, such as chronic inflammation, cause disasters in epigenomic memory. Now, the importance of lincRNA, circRNA, and RNA modifications is evident, and the roles of their abnormalities in human disorders are recognized. In this Symposium, we will hear new topics on old players, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, being at the stages of cancer prevention and therapy, an important topic of how we will utilize mutations of chromatin remodelers for cancer therapy, and topics on the emerging fields of lincRNA and RNA modifications. Owing to the participation of the audience in the session, we will have new ideas on the next cutting-edge science.

Outline:The kidney is not only essential for producing urine and discarding uremic toxin, but also in regulating the electrolytes, producing a hematopoietic hormone ―erythropoietin, and controlling blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a non-curable condition characterized by gradual loss of kidney function, which may progress to kidney failure. Since the mechanism leading to CKD is not entirely clear, understanding the kidney function and the progression of CKD from interdisciplinary perspectives is paramount for drug discovery in CKD. Recently, the development of biochemical techniques has offered a tremendous opportunity to advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms behind various kidney diseases. Thus, the Japanese Society of Nephrology has organized this symposium to encourage interest and participation among the members of the Japanese Biochemical Society in advancing and expanding the scope of kidney research.

Outline:Extracellular matrices (ECMs) have long been considered as structural components to form tissues and organs, storages of growth factors, or physical barriers to protect cells. Recently, it is being appreciated that ECMs are spatiotemporally altered in their qualities and quantities. Moreover, some molecular mechanisms by which cells receive signals from ECMs are revealed. Therefore, it is being recognized that destruction of the ECM-cell interactions is attributed to various diseases, and their key molecules could be therapeutic targets. This symposium will focus on the mechanisms of ECM-cell interactions on cellular functions and discuss perspectives for treatment of the diseases caused by the failure of ECM-cell interactions.

Outline:The recent development in biochemistry and the related research fields has greatly contributed to elucidating molecular interplays in our life, where proteins play crucial roles. Functional design of proteins and peptides to modulate these interplays has also attained considerable advances. Peptides can reconstitute and mimic protein structural motifs. Additionally, a wide variety of non-coding amino acids and chemical modifications can be incorporated into peptides to give specific functions and structures. Such designed proteins and peptides should be powerful tools to understand and manipulate molecular interactions in live cells. The aim of this symposium is to cultivate novel research areas in biochemistry through the discussions on the topics about recent progress in protein and peptide structural/functional design and their applications to the biochemical studies.

Outline:Recent studies on steroidogenesis have revealed evidences that do not fit into the established concepts that steroid hormones are synthesized and secreted into the systemic circulation (bloodstream) by unique organs under the superior control machineries such as central nervous system. One of such findings is non-systemic steroids represented as neurosteroids. Non-systemic steroids are found in brains, muscles and pancreatic beta-cells and exert para/autocrine actions such as memory and behavior as well as cellar stress responses in significantly different modes from those of the classical endocrine system. In clinical areas, somatic mutations in the genes regulating steroidogenic enzymes have been found to cause hyperproduction of aldosterone. In this symposium, we pursue the new world of steroids by presenting and discussing on the hot research achievements and try to make a further development in the study.

Outline:Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the most multitalented and adaptable compartment in plant cells. The ER is a large network made of membranous cisternae and tubules, which accounts for a large proportion of the total lipid bilayer endomembrane of the eukaryotic cell. In this symposium, we first focus on recent advancements in the ER-network formation and dynamics. Proper configuration of the cortical ER network is supported by various ER membrane proteins. A three-way interaction model whereby dynamic interactions between the ER and actin-myosin XI cytoskeleton determine the architecture and movement patterns of the ER strands. The ER movement might cause cytosol hauling traditionally defined as cytoplasmic streaming in plant cells. Second, we focus on the ER-derived organelles: the wound-inducible organelles ER bodies and the sterol-ester accumulating organelles SE bodies. ER bodies function as a novel chemical defense system (mustard oil bomb) against pathogens and pests. SE bodies function as a sterol homeostasis to avoid toxic sterol overproduction in plants. Third, we focus on the latest achievement of the dynamic behavior of the ER subdomains ER exit sites by variable-angle epifluorescence microscopy (VAEM). Finally, we focus on the molecular architecture and the actin-myosin Xii-cytoskeleton-dependent movement of the cell nucleus whose outer membrane is continuous with the ER.

Outline:Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes and microvesicles serve as messengers of intercellular communication networks, allowing the exchange of proteins and lipids between their producing cells and target cells that trigger various cellular responses. EVs also carry mRNAs and microRNAs inside them, raising the possibility that EVs transfer genetic information among cells. However, the physiological and pathophysiological functions of EVs remain largely elusive. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest findings that unveiled novel functions of EVs.

Outline:The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at 2017 is the molecular mechanism of circadian clock.But, this is not the end of this field.Many Japanese researchers in this field have contributed the molecular biology of circadian clock.We gathered several speakers who can present the recent progress of this field.

Outline:The membrane of lipid bilayer is one of the fundamental structural components of the cells. The plasma membrane and subcellular organelles have various but specific shapes for their functions. Such varieties of membrane shapes are thought to be possible by the deformability of the lipid bilayers, which enables the membrane binding proteins to shape the membrane. In this symposium, we will discuss the roles and the mechanisms of the shape formation of the membrane by the proteins, which will provide insights into how the cell is organized from various proteins and lipids.

Outline:Over a decade has passed since X-ray free electron lasers were developed and made available to structural biologists. Ultra-bright and ultra-fast X-ray pulses from these lasers have enabled the probing of biomolecules using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX). Recently, the structural dynamics of bacteriorhodopsin were successfully revealed using this technology.This symposium will include a talk on the similarity and differences of classical X-ray crystallography and TR-SFX. Recent advancements in neutron diffraction, time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy, theoretical calculations to compensate for TR-SFX, and design and synthesis of caged ligands to control enzymatic reactions will also be covered. We endeavor to chalk out a roadmap for improving the TR-SFX technology and to look into a new era of “ultrafast molecular movies" of active proteins and enzymes carrying out biological functions.

Outline:Cell survival is dependent on sensing and responding to a wide variety of stresses. Among them, the mechanisms underlying hypoxia and oxidative stress sensing have been highly investigated to date. In particular, identification of HIF-1 and NRF2 not only improved our understanding of the sensing mechanisms, but also had great impacts on life science by providing novel insight into physiology and pathology. In contrast, it is poorly defined how cells sense and respond to low levels of pH, one of the most fundamental parameters in biochemical reactions, although perturbation of pH causes enormous damages on cells. In this symposium, we present cutting-edge research on adaptation to pH in the field of cancer, development, and neuroscience and discuss future directions in “Biology of pH".

Outline:The term autophagy is defined as degradation of cell’s own components in lysosomes or vacuoles. To date, researchers have intensely studied on “macroautophagy”, which involves autophagosome biogenesis, and has made great progress. However, there exist other types of autophagy, including “microautophagy”, which is direct engulfment of cytoplasmic cargo by the lysosomal/vacuolar membrane invagination, and “transporter-mediated autophagy”, which imports cytoplasmic substrates across the lysosomal membrane via transporter proteins. In addition, degradation of the plasma membrane via endocytosis also meets the above definition and should be regarded as a form of autophagy. Now, autophagy research has entered a new phase for its integrative understanding as an intracellular degradation system in which the lysosome/vacuole serves as a hub. We need to promote the study of multiple modes of autophagy in parallel and investigate their cooperative actions. In this symposium, we ask six researchers to talk about their latest findings in different types and aspects of autophagy, and would like to share a vision of future autophagy research with participants.

Outline:Several trace metal elements including iron, zinc, and copper play important roles in physiological functions such as energy conversion, material conversion and signal transduction. We call such metals required to sustain life of all living organisms as “Biometal”. Dynamics of Biometals in vivo such as their uptake, transport, sensing and utilization are strictly regulated, and its failure causes diseases. Some other metal elements are toxic, and their toxicity is emerged by perturbation of the dynamics of Biometal in vivo. In this symposium, we will introduce the regulation mechanism of cellular functions by Biometals, focusing on the latest findings from a wide range of perspectives including chemistry, structural biology, cell biology, toxicology, analytical science, then address a novel research field of “Integrated Biometal Science”, and discuss its future prospects.

Outline:Metabolites are re-emerging as signal molecules, some of which directly affect chemical modifications of DNA, RNA and histone, in addition to their classical roles as precursors of energy and biomolecules. This symposium focuses on metabolites whose amount changes upon genotoxic stress, cell differentiation, or cancer transformation, and solves their relationships with dynamic molecular networks in the regulation of epigenome, gene expression and DNA repair relying on integrated approaches of biochemistry, system biology and chemical biology. We aim to comprehensively understand how metabolites organize dynamic cooperation of multiple processes from the level of biochemical reactions at the bottom, up to dynamic molecular networks, and to discuss future issues including new technologies.

Outline:Development of structural biology made beautiful 3D models available for many biochemists. However, proteins in reality are dynamic molecular machinery, which always change their structures. Figuring out such “living" proteins in situ is still not easy even with current state-of-art techniques.In this symposium, we ask leading researchers in the fields of NMR, HS-AFM, nano-bio tips, molecular dynamics simulation, and structure-based drug developments to present their recent developments in analyzing proteins in situ. The comprehensive discussion would attract not only the structural biologists but also many biochemists who eager to unveil the functional mechanism of proteins, which in turn would be implemented into society through the academic-government-industrial collaborations.

Outline:Like any living thing, cells die at the end of their tiny but spectacular life. Studies over the past several decades have uncovered the signaling system to induce apoptosis and elucidated its functions and consequences in living organisms. However, we are still far from conclusive understanding how cells die, what messages they leave, and how surrounding cells respond to the loss. Emerging evidence indicates that genetically-encoded signaling systems are dedicated to various modes of cell death morphologically different from apoptosis. The apoptotic and non-apoptotic death systems are activated in various situations and play a crucial role by inducing cell death. Furthermore, it has become evident that the death systems have functions beyond cell death. In this symposium, we will introduce cutting-edge research related to death systems and would like to discuss the future directions of this research field.

Outline:Recently it is appreciated that different metabolic states impact the cellular differentiations and functions. Immunometabolism is an emerging area that deals with the reciprocal interaction between cellular metabolism and immune functions. In this symposium, we'll discuss about the metabolic processes including lipids, carbohydrates and amino acids that regulates inflammation and immune systems at the cellular and tissue levels.

Outline:In eukaryotic cells, organelles exert specialized functions to maintain cellular vital activities. To maintain characteristic structures/morphology and functions of organelles, organelle constituents such as proteins have to be delivered to respective organelles. Moreover, organelles drastically change their volumes, contents and structures in response to the cellular demands and external environments to exhibit optimized functions. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest findings on “organellostasis", in mammalian cells and discuss pathogenesis based on the dysregulation or impairment of organellostasis, and discuss how organelles achieve the optimized cellular functions and homeostasis.

Outline:ADP-ribosyltransferase (ARTs) enzymes attach mono-ADP-ribose (MAR) or poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) to target proteins, using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as a substrate. This is referred as a "writer" activity. The MARylation and PARylation of proteins exerts key roles in various biological processes.In addition to covalent PARylation of target proteins, it has recently been shown that the interaction of proteins with PAR in noncovalent manner triggers the formation of protein complexes (interactomes), participating to various biological processes. The recognition of PAR, MAR and iso-ADPr by binding proteins is referred as a "Reader" activity. The symposium will introduce various types of MARylation and PARylation pathways and discuss their common and diverse biological functions.

Outline:Calcineurin/NFAT signaling identified as a target of immunosuppressants a quarter-century ago has been demonstrated to play crucial roles not only in the development, differentiation, and function of immune, cardiovascular, nervous, bone, urinary, and genital organs but also in developing various diseases including cancer in those organs. In this symposium, distinguished researchers in a variety of fields will make lectures about their recent findings related with the calcineurin/NFAT signaling. By overviewing the physiological and pathophysiological functions as well as their molecular mechanisms, we would like to obtain hints to generate a novel therapy for calcineurin/NFAT-related diseases which is superior to existing therapies in view of not only medical but also adverse effects.

Outline:Asymmetric distribution of materials such as ions, sugars and other solutes across biological membranes is critical for the living organisms. These asymmetries are generated and regulated by membrane transport proteins. Recent advances revealed that the regulation of the asymmetric distributions of membrane lipids plays important roles in diverse biological processes. In the past few decades, lipids have been considered as a simple fluid that fills space among membrane proteins in so-called “fluid mosaic model". However, now the lipid asymmetry and lipid transporters regulating its asymmetry obviously have emerged as new frontiers in the research field of membrane transport proteins. In this symposium, we invite young researchers focusing on proteins related to the regulation of lipid asymmetry to learn and discuss about their mechanisms and relevance to biological systems.

Outline:The merging of life sciences with bioinformatics has allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the central dogma at the molecular level, and the staggering volume of the molecular information reflects the immense complexity of life. Understanding the multifunctionality of lipids and amino acids in a quantitative, qualitative, and spatiotemporal manner (called metabo-dynamism of lipids and amino acids) has given rise to a fascinating field of research that can simplify the complexity of life. This symposium aims to introduce new techniques and research concepts to find a missing piece of the molecular puzzle underlying the metabo-dynamism of lipids and amino acids. We believe that the eminent speakers and audience joining us at this symposium can shed light on a new and fascinating path toward finding a piece that is crucial to completing this puzzle and unraveling the complexity of life.

Outline:Along with the recent prosperity of antibody therapeutics, development of other biologics like nucleic acid and peptide drugs has been also rapidly progressed. Although such a development trend of single biologics is thought to continue for a while, the next trends that comes after is of the multifunctional biologics that combines these single functional biologics. These have already partly been realized in bispecific antibodies and fusion proteins, but possibilities for development of the novel multifunctional biologics is still widely opened for various diseases. In this symposium, we would like to promote the progress of this field by sharing the current status in multifunctional biologics development, introducing the efforts for developing them, and finding issues in them. Specifically, we would like to focus on several topics including high-functional antibodies as congenital hemophilia drug, brain-delivering antibody for the treatment of brain diseases, a new method for generation of bispecific antibody, and antibody conjugation system to produce multifunctional antibody, as well as the issues in regulatory science of such pharmaceuticals for therapeutic uses.

Outline:Human transglutaminase is an enzyme family that catalyzes cross-linking reaction between various proteins. Since this reaction modifies the substrates to change their structure and functions, the enzymes are involved in several biological events, such as blood coagulation, extracellular matrix stabilization and epidermis formation. In most cases, TGase is latent, because it requires to become active form by binding to calcium ion. Aberrant activity causes diseases on abnormal blood coagulation, fibrosis, and cancer. We have to investigate the regulatory mechanism of expression and activity as well as physiological functions, using model organism and several cellular systems with tool. In this symposium, we would like to focus on involvement of TGase functions in several diseases, from various tissues and cell system.

Outline:Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of biomolecules are reversible molecular switches that control various biological processes in life from birth to death. Therefore, they are deeply involved in the etiology and pathology of various diseases, such as lifestyle-related diseases and carcinogenesis, and technological innovations are increasing medical applications targeting phosphorylation signals. To understand dynamic and complex phosphorylation signals, it is important to analyze both kinases and phosphatases. However, phosphatases are structurally more diverse than kinases and exhibit complex regulation of substrate specificity. Although these characteristics have made phosphatase research difficult, that means phosphatases provide an attractive research area with many challenges and expectations. In this symposium, we will introduce new biological systems and applications related to phosphatases and discuss future prospects in this area.

Outline:The cytoplasmic peptide:N-glycanase (NGLY1), an evolutionary-conserved enzyme throughout eukaryotes, is a deglycosylating enzyme acting on asparagine (N)-linked glycans. Since the discovery of a human genetic disorder bearing mutations in NGLY1 gene (NGLY1 deficiency) in 2012, explosive progress has been made regarding the functional characterization of NGLY1. While NGLY1 has been believed to be involved in the “quality control” of newly synthesized N-glycoproteins, recent evidence has suggested that this enzyme can also act as an "editing" enzyme to convert glycosylated asparagine residues into aspartic acid residues, thus activating the endogenous substrates in a regulated fashion. In this symposium, the most recent research progress on the molecules/pathways activated by Ngly1, complex pathophysiology of NGLY1 deficiency, as well as potential biomarkers useful for development of therapeutics for NGLY1-deficiency will be introduced.

Outline:Cell identity is characterized by a set of genes that are specifically expressed. The mechanism that regulates gene expression remains unclear. Biological functions related to DNA, such as transcription, replication, and DNA repair have been examined mainly with DNA-binding proteins. However, studies in the past decade shed light on the importance of chromatin structure in gene regulation. In addition to histone modifications and histone variants, nuclear factors, such as non-coding RNA and nuclear body, were also found to be involved in gene regulation by building up a functional network with chromatin. In this symposium, recent data will be shown and we are hoping that plenty of questions will be asked in order to deepen our knowledge on the unrevealed nuclear network that is contributing to gene regulation.

Outline:To prevent and control senile dementia such as Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular diseases, it is crucial to manage disease risks, to achieve pre-emptive therapy, and to develop disease-modifying therapy. However, molecular mechanisms of these diseases still remain elusive. To remedy the current situation, in addition to hypothesis-driven science, data-driven science such as system-level analyses of large omics datasets along with genomic and clinical information is indispensable. In this symposium, we invited five promising young investigators conducting data-driven research to develop novel diagnostics, to predict polygenic risks, to elucidate disease mechanisms, and to discover therapeutics by drug repositioning. We will discuss exciting future prospects in next-generation AD research.

Outline:Mitochondria is specialized organelle because it is composed by double membranous structure including outer and inner membranes and have its own DNA. Mitochondria is multifunctional organelle that is involved in regulation of not only energy production and cell death, but also differentiation, development and disease such as tumorigenesis. In recent years, the communication between mitochondria and other organelles has been attracted attention. Especially, the contact site between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial-associated ER membrane, is extremely important for maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome formation. In this symposium, we will discuss about divergent cellular functions that occur via mitochondria and organize it by young scientists who focus on mitochondrial function.

Outline:There is an increasing attention on the development of novel forms of drugs that exceed the conventional small molecular drugs and antibodies. In this context, chemists are trying to bring up the novel drug modalities by combining the selectivity of bio-molecules and designability of chemicals. There are upcoming examples of successful development of more selective, more functional, and more effective drugs based on the new paradigm. In this symposium, we would like to have cutting-edge researchers who work on the development of nucleic acid medicine, middle-molecule medicine, PROTAC, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), photoimmunotherapy (PIT), and cell therapy, and discuss the current situation and future perspectives of chemistry-based innovation of drug modalities.

Outline:Tissue stroma is not a simple platform on which parenchymal cells are aligned. It drives development, homeostasis, and pathology by shaping tissue structure and controlling parenchymal cells to maintain tissue homeostasis. Inflammation and remodeling, which are the dynamic biological processes of the stroma, lead to tissue dysfunction in various pathologies and aging. Recent progress in single-cell technologies has been unraveling diversity and dynamism of stromal cells. In this symposium, we will discuss the emerging diversity of stromal cells in physiology and pathology. Particular focus will be on the diversity among immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts, and how their intercommunication and communication with parenchymal cells modulate tissue homeostasis and promote pathology.

Outline:In the long history of protein kinases, the upstream and downstream signaling pathways of many protein kinases were successively revealed by forward-looking research to date, and the study of protein kinases has made great strides in progressing in the intracellular signal transduction as a core research field. However, there are many unrevealed questions for about 500 protein kinases with the regulatory mechanism of enzyme activity, the position in intracellular signal transduction, the function in physiology, the relation to diseases, and so on. Most importantly, we do not have enough control over the protein kinase signaling yet. Therefore, in this symposium, we will introduce current findings by young scientists in the next generation, who try to find out a breakthrough of the study of protein kinases by exploring new regulating mechanisms and functions of protein kinases with their original approaches. We hope that this symposium will make a good opportunity to carve out a path to a new era of the protein kinase signaling research.

Outline:Glycosylation is a complex and finely regulated process involving numerous enzymes such as glycosyltransferases and glycosidases. Most of the genes of these glyco-enzymes were identified, and knockout mice revealed various functions of glycans. However, details about their expression, their localization and their functions have not been elucidated due to their low expression levels. On the other hand, since concepts of typical Golgi localization and reaction mechanisms of glycosyltransferases were stereotyped, the true nature of each enzyme has not been clarified. Moreover, basic information of specificity and activity of non-animal enzymes is lacking. Recently new aspects of the glyco-enzymes were revealed through the analysis of endogenous protein subcellular localization and structural data. In this symposium, researchers from various fields will give presentations on recent studies about these enzymes focusing on unique techniques and organisms.

Outline:Non-B-type nucleic acid structures such as G-quadruplexes, DNA-RNA hybrid, R-loop and various ssDNAs are now being recognized as important genome signature. They may also be formed during the course of various genome transactions, including replication, recombination and repair as reaction intermediates. Identification of novel intermediates as well as mechanistic insight into their roles are important to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of genome transactions and to understand the general biological roles of non-B-type nucleic acids. Understanding mechanism of the timely formation and resolution of these structures, and their biological significance would lead to realization of a novel principle in genome function. The genome transaction intermediates could be related to increased genome instability and, consequently, to development of disease. Thus, understanding the non-B-type nucleic acids will not only lead to revelation of novel messages carried by the genome but also contribute to developing new strategies for treating cancer and other disease. This session features cutting-edge and paradigm-shifting discovery made by talented scientists tackling these issues.

Outline:When the first eukaryotes emerged on earth 1.5 billion years ago, the atmosphere was filled with hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Some organisms which utilize H2S still inhabit around submarine volcanos. H2S and polysulfides have various physiological roles including regulations of neurotransmission, cytoprotection, and inflammation. Cells skillfully utilize toxic selenium as well as sulfur. We will discuss on the neurotransmission and glucose-dependent insulin release regulated by H2S and H2Sn, cytoprotection from carbonyl stress by H2Sn, characterization of mice which delete H2S- and H2Sn-producing enzymes, 3-mercaptpyruvate sulfurtransferase and rhodanese. We will also focus on the delivery of selenium to seleno-proteins and the metabolism of selenium through methylation and the production of selenocyanate. Finally the development of fluorescence probes selective to those molecules and inhibitors of their producing enzymes will be shown.

Outline:Cellular identity and diversity for proper function of organs are critical to maintain systemic homeostasis. Recent advances in analytical chemistry have shown that intracellular metabolic systems play an important role in acquiring and exploiting cellular identity and diversity, and metabolic pathways are not solely used as products of Central Dogma but they govern cellular characteristics and functions. Also, alterations of these metabolic systems are deeply associated with diseases. However, little is known about the direct link between changes in metabolic pathways and cellular identity and diversity. In this symposium, we gather cutting-edge researchers who are actively investigating how metabolic pathways regulate cellular identity and diversity in steady state and in disease.

Outline:Genetic information is transcribed from DNA to RNA, in which mRNAs as templates are used for protein translation. Not only mRNA but also tRNA, rRNA, miRNA and lncRNA are dynamically transcribed from DNA. In the genetic flow rom DNA and RNA to proteins containing histones, the common post-translational chemical modification is methylation, which is catalyzed by a variety of methyltransferases, mainly using SAM (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) as a methyl donor. In addition, adapter proteins that read the methyl group and enzymes that catalyze the demethylation reaction are recently discovered, explaining many biological functionsrelated to homeostasis. In this symposium, we would like to discuss genetic information and methylation reaction, which are closely related to the maintenance of homeostasis, as an interlock system.

Outline:Bioimaging has promoted the basis of life science and medical research. Seeing biomolecules and ions in living cells provides enormous impact, and in particular, fluorescence imaging has now become an essential technology for many biological researchers. As the technology is innovated, new issues are emerging, such as cellular damages by excitation light necessary for fluorescence observation, and crosstalk of excitation/emission wavelength in combination with optogenetics. To overcome such issues, imaging using a bioluminescent probe is attracting much attention in the worldwide. Although there are technically difficulties such as signal stability and the need for a substrate, the potential is worthy of attention as a future imaging technology. In this symposium, we will discuss the latest trends in luciferase essential for bioluminescence imaging, the probe development, and various practical applications of bioluminescence imaging.

Outline:About 30 years have passed since the discovery of the TOR protein (Target of Rapamycin) by Michael N. Hall and the colleagues in 1991. Since then a large field called “TOR life science" has been formed, and it has been revealed that TOR plays important roles in a very wide range of areas such as cancer, immunity, and the basic level of cell science. How is TOR controlled by amino acids and growth factors? How does TOR recognize the substrate as a protein kinase? In addition, how are cell functions regulated in aspects such as development and differentiation? Despite many studies so far, there are still many unsolved issues. In this symposium, we would like to introduce the researchers who are making advanced efforts to deal with these issues, and explore what the TOR researches will develop in the future.

Outline:Since blood and lymphatic vessels play central roles not only in the maintenance of body homeostasis but also during the progression of multiple diseases including cancer, it is crucial to understand the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of these vascular systems.Recent technical progress in molecular biology and imaging have highlighted novel aspects of the dynamics of blood and lymphatic vessels in our bodies. In this symposium, outstanding researchers in this field will present the cutting edge of these field, and introduce the novel roles of these vascular systems during various life stages.

Outline:The cellular membrane compartments including the plasma membrane and membrane-bound organelles communicate with each other via transport vesicles or membrane contact sites to control cellular homeostasis. In addition to the recent advances in molecular and cellular machinery of the organelle/vesicular dynamics, growing evidence indicates the involvement of the organelle/vesicular dynamics in many physiological functions of multicellular organisms, such as brain development, synapse transmission and glucose metabolism. In this symposium, five speakers will introduce various aspects of organelle/vesicular dynamics in the intracellular regulatory mechanisms and physiological function to discuss the membrane dynamics from different viewpoints.

Outline:The study of “Enzyme" is the beginning of nearly 200 years of biochemical history and is the tradition of biochemistry. There has been a lot of focus on membrane proteins and supramolecular complexes in recent biochemical researches with remarkable development of various methods, while many researchers are still fascinated by the depth of enzyme world. In 1964, when the last Tokyo Olympics were held, the cytochrome P450 designated by Japanese researchers was widely recognized all over the world. In this memorable year 2020, the Olympics came back to Tokyo, we want to refocus on the study of enzymes. The speakers of this symposium are up-and-coming young researchers who will be responsible for future enzyme research. We will discuss about the present and the future of enzyme especially from the viewpoint of young structural biologists attracted to enzymes.

Outline:From bacteria to human, sugar molecules function as an energy source. Some sugar molecules are attached to lipids and proteins and the glycosylation provides a diversity to their functions. Sugar-containing lipids on cell surface basically work as a barrier between extracellular and intracellular spaces. Moreover, they function as scaffolds for extracellular recognition and intracellular signaling. Although their functions and metabolic pathways were intensively studied, recent advances in analytical tools have revealed new aspects of them. Through these studies, if we understand the sugar-containing lipids well enough, we shall be able to control and analyze their functions and metabolisms by using of chemical tools. In this symposium, we are planning to invite scientists who are working on sugar-containing molecules in a field of biology or chemistry. From both fields of view, we will discuss approaches toward understanding and control of sugar-containing lipids.

Outline:Eukaryotic genomic DNA is accommodated within the nucleus as chromatin, in which the DNA and nuclear proteins form a highly compacted architecture. Recently, it has been revealed that chromatin positively and/or negatively regulates gene expression in eukaryotic cells. The chromatin-mediated gene regulation has been suggested as a basic mechanism of “epigenetics” that is a conserved eukaryotic gene regulatory system independent of the DNA sequence. In this symposium, we define such a gene regulation by chromatin architecture as chromatin potential, and share the current longitudinal research from atomic to individual levels to understand its mechanism.

Outline:Sulfur has been playing an essential role in the evolution of living beings on the earth． A high reactivity of sulfur atom has prevented precise measurement of sulfur-containing chemicals. In particular, reactive sulfur species were well recognized in the field of chemistry, but revelation of their biological significance had to wait for the recent development of analytical chemistry based on mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. Identification of enzymes metabolizing reactive sulfur species has been accelerating conceptual innovation in the fundamental principles of life. This symposium will focus on technological advances in sulfur analytical chemistry and unique roles of chalcogens (chemical elements in group 16 of the periodic table) including sulfur and selenium in various biological processes.

Outline:Although various proteins and nucleic acids are present at high density in cells, many of biological reactions and complex formations occur in a specific manner. Recently, it is becoming increasingly clear that the formation of non-membranous structures where RNA and proteins are highly accumulated promotes physical compartmentalization of biological reactions from surrounding cellular environment. This system is thought to rely on the nature of liquid-liquid phase separation througth the maltivalent intereaction of intrinsically disordered proteins or RNA molecules. In this symposium, we will focus on the molecular mechanism and biological functions of liquid-liquid phase separation in diverse biological contexts, including the assembly of nuclear bodies, centrosomes and transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, we would like to discuss recent progress and future prospects for understanding the role of phase separation and protein aggregation in human diseases such as neurodegeneration.

Outline:Deep-Phenotype Research is proposed as a new approach to understand the individual state dynamics induced by the perturbation of lifestyle, which is closely correlated with the pre-symptomatic diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of individual state dynamics is essential for controlling the pre-symptomatic state, which may be the key strategy for various systemic disorders such as immunological, endocrinological diseases and/or circadian disorders. Therefore, Deep-Phenotype research may contribute to the "Preemptive Medicine" as an effective approach of the personalized preventive medicine. In this session, we would like to discuss about researches not only for prediction of disease prognosis but also for understanding the breakdown mechanisms of homeostasis using mice models.

Outline:The symposium aims to summarize current status of happy marriage between adaptive immunotherapy and pluripotent stem cell science from the point of antigen specificity and allogeneic rejection.

Outline:Cell membrane is composed of diverse phospholipid species. The amount and molecular species composition of phospholipids dramatically change on demand and dysregulation of those leads to various cellular abnormalities. In addition, specific subcellular localization of phospholipids is critical for maintenance of organelle functions, and phospholipid transport plays a role in the specific distribution of phospholipids. Given the critical role of phospholipids in regulating various cellular functions, development of methods manipulating phospholipid functions is important. RNA aptamer specifically recognizing phospholipid enables us to regulate functions of phospholipid and cellular responses. In this symposium, the latest research on diverse phospholipid functions will be discussed.

Outline:Emerging research indicates that the vascular system and non-neuronal glial cells in brains synergistically contribute to logistics such as supply of nutrients, recognition of foreign molecules, and emission of catabolites and debris through forming a huge functional structure in brain. We named it as "Brain infrastructure", a novel concept for understanding homeostatic mechanism including logistics of multi-cellular community in the brain. We also found that decline of brain function due to aging and disease is likely to be caused by deterioration of "Brain infrastructure", therefore, structural and functional analyses of each element of infrastructure are crucial for understanding brain homeostatic mechanism and diseases. In this symposium, we would like to introduce an emerging new research field "Brain infrastructure" and promote vigorous discussion.

Outline:Cancer-specific metabolic reprogramming is recognized as one of the cancer hallmarks. Recent studies have revealed that metabolic reprograming provides cancer cells with most of the building blocks required for the synthesis of nucleotides, proteins and lipids. In addition, cancer cells produce important metabolites via specific metabolic pathway such as glutaminolysis, glutathione synthesis, and One-carbon metabolism. Recently several important metabolic pathways associated with cancer cell stemness or immune cell differentiation have been reported. Moreover, high-sensitive and high-throughput metabolic profiling method has been developed. In this symposium, we will discuss the subjects that performed pioneering biological work and developed cutting-edge technologies in this area.

Outline:Glycation is the abnormal accumulation of dicarbonyl metabolites leading to increased modification of protein and DNA. As glycation contributes to cell and tissue dysfunction, glycative stress is a risk factor of various diseases in the late life stages, such as diabetes, heart disease and dementia. However, the developmental effects and health-related impacts of glycative stress in the life stages, and the molecular basis of these effects, are unknown. A life course approach is essential to understand population health and disease. It is established that an individual's health is strongly influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Specialists have revealed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are closely associated with psychotic and systemic dysfunction. AGEs have extremely diverse structures and are critical to many biological processes. However, these modifications appear, disappear, and undergo dynamic structural changes during aging and the development of various disease pathologies, making them very difficult to accurately characterise. In this symposium, we discuss the trajectory of AGEs information and how multifaceted technical approaches combining genetics, biology, chemistry, nutrition, and bioinformatics, can be used to accurately characterise spatiotemporal changes during human life stage. We hope that these data will provide information that may elucidate novel genetic and environmental factors involved in psychiatric and physical disorders in the life stage.

Outline:Lipids are essential for our lives, which constitute cellular membrane, are stored as energy source, and act as signaling molecules. In this symposium, scientists who presented their research at the previous Annual Meetings of the Japanese Biochemical Society and received PhD in lipid biology/biochemistry will share their experiences on decision-making for career development and also introduce their current jobs and sciences. This symposium aims to encourage young scientists, particularly undergrad, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, who are studying lipid biology and biochemistry, by providing a variety of career paths after obtaining PhD.

Outline:Signal transduction pathways, fundamental biological systems in living organisms, are intricately regulated through various cellular processes, including complex formation between biomolecules, post-translational modifications, changes in cellular metabolism and gene expression. Such dynamic and complex nature of intracellular signaling networks serves as the driving force for the generation of diverse biological outcomes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death. Therefore, proper regulation of signaling pathways is crucial for maintenance of physiological homeostasis of the human body, and their dysregulation leads to onset of various currently intractable diseases, such as cancer, auto-immune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. In order to understand complex biological systems (i.e., cells or organisms) as a whole, and to clarify the pathophysiology of human diseases, introduction of cutting-edge methodologies in the various fields of science (e.g., mathematical sciences, omics analyses, structural biology, and molecular imaging) into biomedical research is essential. In this symposium, we will invite researchers, who are conducting interesting research on the molecular basis of cell signaling and diseases by using interdisciplinary approaches, to present their recent findings, which we hope will stimulate the future research in this area.

Outline:Macrophages are responsible for the processing of waste products and protecting against microorganisms in the body. In addition to inducing inflammatory responses through the secretion of various inflammatory mediators, the macrophage also induces immune responses through antigen presentation to T cells. Therefore, macrophage is known as a phagocytic cell playing an important role in both responses. Furthermore, since macrophages are involved in ontogeny and tissue repair, it is well known that macrophages have various functions. In other words, it has revealed that macrophages discovered as phagocytic cells are involved in various diseases and life phenomena. Therefore, this symposium focuses on macrophages with various functions, and active young researchers will introduce the latest interesting research results in this symposium.

Outline:The importance of communication between organelles is becoming apparent in recent years. The special microdomains where the organelles come into contact with each other are called membrane contact sites (MCSs), that function in lipid transfer, calcium regulation, and organelle dynamics, and contribute to the intracellular homeostasis. In this session, we will introduce the latest knowledge about organelle biology and the role in the nervous system relating to MCSs. In particular, we would like to discuss new functions and mechanisms of membrane contact sites, biology of endosomes, mitochondria, and autophagosomes, and their relation to neurological functions and diseases.

Outline:The glial cells are diverse. Their cells in the central nervous system include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. The peripheral nervous system includes Schwann cells. In the past, biochemical research on glial cells was very behind in the shadow of research for a neuron; however, with next generation sequencing technologies, it became clear that a single glial cell expresses more types of molecules than neurons. Some of these have contained ion channels and receptors, as well as metabolic and epigenetic molecules. They are usually considered to be important for neuronal activity. It is thus likely that the glial cell has only a role as the neuronal assistant. In addition to glial cell diseases classified as cancer, a number of glial diseases are being clarified, many of which are intractable. In this project, we will focus on the latest biochemical research on glial cell functions, outline how the failure induces diseases, and propose new therapeutic target molecules based on their evidence.

Outline:The extracellular matrix is a supramolecular structure, which maintains the shape of tissues and organs and regulates cell behavior by storing and directing signaling molecules. Its fiber component mainly comprises collagens, the most abundant proteins in a body. A collagen molecule consists of a triple helix of α-chains, and the molecules assemble and generate fibrils, which in turn assemble into fiber bundles. Recently, collagen researches have developed greatly with various aspects including the mechanisms of hydroxylation of proline residues, MS analysis, regulation of collagen fibrils by glycosaminoglycans, application of collagens to tissue regeneration, and its molecular designing. This symposium introduces and discusses collagen researches.

Outline:The number of demented patients is estimated to be over 100 million by 2050 in the world. Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, the pathogenesis of this disease does not appear to be simple. Many factors may be involved in developing AD, for example, gene polymorphisms, alterations of AD-related molecules, various types of amyloid beta oligomers and topographic expansion of the lesions. Standing on the socioeconomic point of view, it has been strongly expected to develop inexpensive general treatments for AD based on the pathogenesis. In this symposium, we will discuss the various molecular states of AD, show the latest research data of molecular mechanism which will be the trigger for the AD onset, and share the importance of biochemical research to overcome AD.

Outline:In mammals, the fertilized egg or zygote starts the process of embryogenesis and differentiates into all types of somatic cells, including both fetal and extraembryonic lineages-in a highly organized manner to eventually give rise to an entire multicellular organism. This feature is referred to as totipotency. Selected young speakers will present state-of-the art biochemistry, genetics, and epigenetics to dissect the program of totipotency

Outline:Oxidized lipids are diverse in structure and in minute amounts, and due to metabolic changes, an increase in oxidized lipids is observed in many diseases, but identification of their functional molecules and specific functions are still largely unclear. On the other hand, progress in analysis technology and methods by mass spectrometry of oxidized lipid molecules, development of probes that trap lipid radicals and development of new analytical antibodies that recognize protein structures modified by specific oxidized lipids were observed. The existence of specific cell death pathways that depend on lipid oxidation, such as free iron dependent cell death “ferroptosis" and free iron independent cell death “lipoxytosis", and receptors that specifically recognize oxidized lipids have also been revealed that oxidized lipids could function specifically as a signal molecule. In this symposium, we would like to introduce the unique research .

Outline:Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) performs many essential cellular functions, including synthesis of membrane and secreted protein, and calcium homeostasis. Various signals from the ER maintain cellular homeostasis, for example, the unfolded protein response signaling governs ER protein quality control. The ER also serves as the communication hub of cellular other organelles including mitochondria coordinating many cellular functions. Recent studies are uncovering that novel signaling pathway from the ER plays pivotal role in diverse biological process such as tissue development/function, inter-organ communication and disease onset/progression, that can not be explained by previous theories on organelle regulation. In this symposium, we will discuss the emerging evidence for the significant role of the ER signaling in physiology, pathogenesis and pharmacological aspect.

Outline:Signals emanating from G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are mediated by a receptor-selective heterotrimeric G-protein and its downstream effector molecules. G-protein signaling dynamics are highly regulated by GAP, a terminator of activated G-protein signaling, as well as GRK and β-arrestin, which cooperatively regulate GPCR activity by interacting with the intracellular domain of the target receptor. This symposium will present a number of recent advances in the field of GPCR and G-protein signaling, which include a ligand recognition mechanism of GPCRs, revealed by crystallography; an activation mechanism of heterotrimeric G-protein, revealed by cryo-electron microscopy; a pattern of selective interactions between GPCRs and G-proteins, identified by machine learning; a circadian clock mechanism involving GAP-based hourly regulation of G-protein signaling; and a long-term immune response involving a novel protein complex associated with the intracellular domain of the chemokine receptor. Discussion will be made on the latest research and future directions of work for the elucidation of molecular basis underlying the spatio-temporal selectivity and diversity of GPCR/G-protein signaling.

Outline:Membrane proteins play critical roles in maintaining homeostasis of multicellular organisms and are targets of drug, therefore, determining the regulatory mechanisms of membrane proteins is important. However, it is technically difficult to determine the structure of membrane proteins, and few studies have elucidated their structural and functional regulation. Whether they are applicable with new technology is an important issue. In this symposium, the structural and functional regulation of clinically important membrane proteins including transporters, signaling receptors, adhesion molecules will be discussed. Presentation topics include conformational changes and activities of receptors, functional regulation by posttranslational modifications of membrane proteins, and the development of artificial agonists of signaling receptors.

Outline:Nanoparticles (membrane vesicles, etc.) released by bacteria contain many active factors such as LPS, nucleic acids, and pathogenic proteins. They induce various effects in exerting bacterial pathogenicity and immunity on the tissues. In recent years, as a new possibility of this nanoparticle, research on application to nasal vaccines has been conducted. Many pathogenic bacteria adhere and invade on the human mucosal surface. It is necessary to produce S-IgA on the mucosal surface in addition to serum IgG in vaccine development. There is also a necessity for diversity that can induce antibodies against antigens of various pathogens. These nanoparticles are expected to have a wide range of roles such as function as an antigen delivery system on the mucosal surface, chimerization of various antigens, and cost reduction. We organize a symposium to discuss the potential of vaccines using nanoparticles.

Outline:The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) regulates almost all cellular functions, thereby defects in this system directly lead to various human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Therefore, the development of drugs targeting UPS is progressing all over the world as a promising strategy to overcome these diseases. Especially, recently emerged targeted protein degradation methods are attracting attention as novel drug development modalities. However, several key questions regarding ubiquitin biology remain unanswered, and also, it is necessary to further explore target molecules and ubiquitin ligases to expand the targeted protein degradation methods. This symposium aims to stimulate further progress in ubiquitin research and discuss the future direction of ubiquitin research and the potential for ubiquitin drug discovery.

Outline:G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest drug discovery target family, and many antagonists and agonists are clinically used. However, many of these drugs were developed, before the structural information of the receptors became available, by extensive screening of chemical libraries. The seven-transmembrane helical structures of GPCRs used to be difficult to analyze because of their complexity and dynamism. Recently, however, a number of structures at the atomic resolution were determined by X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy. Therefore, this symposium focuses on the structure-function relationship of GPCRs, in particular on ligand recognition, coupling with G proteins, and multimer formation, and discusses the drug discovery by new strategies.

Outline:Several invasive pathogens have evolved and are able to form compartments inside the organelles of host cells in pursuit of an appropriate environment to grow and replicate. However, various anti-pathogenic cellular responses prevent the expansion of their habitats. Thus, it could be suggested that the organelle membrane functions as a border, separating pathogenic habitats and host cells. This leads to a struggle for survival between the host cell and the invading pathogens at a molecular level. In this symposium, we have invited leading scientists whose work is aimed at the molecular mechanisms involved with the rearrangement of the function and composition of the organelle membrane. This is seen in cells that have been infected with intracellular parasites such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. We will also invite scientists whose research focuses on innate immune responses and autophagy induced by membrane damage, which is associated with the invasion of pathogens into the cytoplasm. We will also discuss the effects of novel techniques and the regulation of the host-pathogen boundary dispute at the organelle membrane.

Outline:Development of biochemical technology accurately capturing nuclear events such as epigenome abnormalities and genomic instability, would be the key to reveal the mystery of life, namely “life-aging-disease-death". On the other hand, from the viewpoint of life span, various biological models including budding yeast, C. elegans, and drosophila have been actively analyzed, and aging signals such as telomere, DNA damage, oxidative stress, sirtuin, nutrition, metabolism, are commonly concentrated in the mitochondrial organelles. In fact, mitochondria, a complex structure of about 1200 protein weave, can synergistically and cooperatively orchestrates with nucleus, to generate energy production as well as regulate many intracellular metabolic pathways in response to aging signal, oncogenic stimuli and/or metabolic stress. In this symposium, with the theme of “synergy between nucleus and mitochondria", we focus on pioneering research and researchers attempting to elucidate the disease pathophysiology through new approaches, genetics, interactome analysis, localizatome, chromatome, and SWATH-MS analysis. From the technical viewpoint of multi-omics and biochemical analysis, we would like to deepen discussions with you about the new possibilities that will open up about the biochemistry of “life-aging-disease-death"

Outline:Redox reactions characterized by electron transfer play fundamental roles in cellular bioenergetics and signal transduction. It is generally believed that oxygen acts as the only receptor of electron supplied from NADH/NADPH, which achieves efficient energy productions and stimulates redox signaling. However, recent findings suggest an evolutional concept of bioenergetics evoked by identifying reactive sulfide species (RSS), such as cysteine persulfide, and their chemical properties. For example, oxidative RSS acts as an electron receptor, having a potency to contribute to energy production and signal transduction via NADPH-dependent enzymes in mammalian cells. In this symposium, 5 active researchers will introduce their cutting-edge achievements on RSS and/or other biomolecules as true biomimetics of oxygen and reactive oxygen species. We also aim to discuss how we reconsider the central dogma in redox research.

Outline:A sub-population of bacteria has been known to survive, even under severe stress such as antibiotics exposure, not only by genetic alterations, but also by transition to a dormant state. The survived dormant cells (persister) are able to regrow (awake) after the stress has ceased, causing a significant clinical problem. Recent studies have revealed that the toxin-antitoxin (TA) system, a growth regulator of bacteria, induces the dormant state. This symposium will showcase biochemical and structural studies on the TA systems to provide new insights into its physiological role as well as its clinical application in formation and awakening of persisters. We will also discuss about the possibility of technical innovation including single-cell analysis to monitor the nature of the dormancy and awakening mediated by TA system(s).

Outline:In order to make a paradigm shift in biochemical research, interdisciplinary research using new technologies cultivated in different fields is essential. In this presentation, both wet and dry orientated researchers doing data-driven life sciences to learn the latest knowledge obtained using omics data, the latest technologies, life phenomena, and diseases that should be known before measurement. We would like to introduce a new research areas to understand and discuss the latest topics of omics research, which are often felt difficult.

Outline:Nitric oxide (NO) functions as the intracellular or intercellular molecule that involved in the regulation of blood pressure, memory formation, bactericidal and neuronal cell death. Recently, NO specifically binds to substrate proteins and changes in their activities in many organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus. These post-translational modifications are implicated in the positive or negative regulation of enzymes.This symposium introducing new aspects of NO is composed of five symposiasts who are actively researching the effect of NO on anti-metabolite, lung protection, the onset of Parkinson's disease, and epigenetic regulation. Through these research topics, we would like to discuss the specific mechanisms of NO on positive or negative regulation of physiological or pathophysiological events in vitro and in vivo.

Outline:Cell membrane phospholipids are classified by the structure of the water-soluble head group, and their intrinsic biochemical functions have been elucidated. The hydrophobic tails of membrane phospholipid play a role as a reservoir of fatty acids which are precursors of lipid mediators and affects the physical properties of the membrane such as fluidity, thickness, and curvature. A specific phospholipid class is a collection of molecular species that differ in fatty acid composition, and the abundance ratio of molecular species in cell membranes varies depending on the class and also varies depending on cell type and organelle. Besides, findings on changes in phospholipid molecular species profiles accompanying the onset of pathological conditions are being accumulated. In this symposium, the speakers will present the latest findings of biochemical researches on phospholipase A1/2, lysophospholipid acyltransferase, fatty acid desaturase, etc. using lipidomic analysis techniques and deepen the discussion of the biological significance of cell membrane phospholipid diversity.

Outline:Blood flow through blood vessels not only delivers oxygen and nutrients but also regulates various biological phenomena by loading mechanical forces such as shear stress and stretch on the vessel wall. For instance, flow-mediated shear stress causes vessel dilation to control vascular tone. However, recent evidences also demonstrate an important role of flow-mediated mechanical forces in establishment of functional blood vessels and in development and repair of tissues and organs. In addition, mechanical forces applied on vessel wall contribute to pathogenesis of some diseases such as atherosclerosis and aneurysm. In this symposium, we will discuss recent progress about the molecular mechanisms underlying blood flow-dependent biological phenomena and mechanical force-related diseases.

Outline:Peroxisomes play important metabolic roles, such as β-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, and biosynthesis of ether-phospholipids and bile acids. A total of 22 peroxisomal disorders are known as inherited metabolic diseases with the peroxisome biogenesis disorders or the single peroxisomal enzyme deficiencies, and most of the diseases show neurodegenerative symptoms. Adrenoleukodystrophy, caused by mutations in ABCD1 gene, is the most common peroxisomal disorder and shows various phenotypes, even with the same mutation. In this symposium, along with recent knowledge from clinical aspects, we provide the functional analysis of pathogenic mutants, the genomic analysis of responsible genes for multiple phenotypes, and the lipidomic analysis for the discovery of novel biomarkers.

Outline:The healthy longevity is required in a super-aged society. What is “healthy aging"? Recently, a large number of important findings about the aging-related alterations in molecular, cellular, tissue, and individual levels using various aging models have been reported. We are revealing the existence of aging regulatory factors. The glycans covering the cell surface could be such factors. The structural and functional glycan diversities provide the information of cell types or states and are altered with aging or diseases. Recent advances in ultrasensitive and comprehensive analytical technologies of glycan structures have revealed that a lot of glycans are involved in aging and diseases. In this symposium, we would like to discuss about the relation between the glycan diversity and aging becoming clear by the fusion of glycan and aging researches.