Program

Outline：Aging is a gradual decline in physiological functions over a course of time. As aging progresses, tissues and cells exhibit characteristic biochemical changes, including genomic instability, epigenetic alteration, mitochondrial disfunction, and impaired proteostasis. However, it remains elusive how these molecules play a role in diverse species and organs; and how these factors all together contribute to the aging of the whole organism. In this symposium, we will integrate current knowledge on the biology of aging in a wide range of scales from molecular to cellular and multicellular levels and discuss potential intervention strategy for healthy aging and longevity.

Outline：Cellular metabolism encompasses catabolic and anabolic pathways to generate and use energy in the form of ATP to support survival and to produce numerous biosynthetic precursors for cellular growth and proliferation. In addition, recently, accumulating evidences reveal that cell fate decisions are closely linked to changes in metabolic activity. In order to understand precisely how the dynamics of these metabolites create life phenomena, it is very important to actually see them alive. In this symposium, as the recent trend of bioimaging to acquire the information about metabolic activity in living cells or animals, we will discuss the development and research of biosensors to visualize metabolites as well as various practical applications of bioimaging.

Outline：Recent discoveries and innovations in the past few years have shaken up the traditional protein picture. For example, the number of open reading frames in genomes has increased dramatically due to the widespread occurrence of noncanonical translation. In addition, it has become clear that the expression patterns of protein functions in cells are also diverse. In other words, previously unknown "multifaceted" aspects of the protein world are beginning to emerge. To understand this expanding and transforming views of proteins, it is necessary to redefine the protein world in multifaceted approaches. The aim of this symposium is to introduce and discuss about the multifaceted proteins.

Outline：l interactions. We look forward to a lively discussion on the future opened up by the measurement, prediction, and control of biological interactions at the molecular level based on biochemistry.

Outline：Mitochondria have their own genome and exert various functions as organelles while making good use of specific genes encoded by the nuclear genome. Therefore, advanced biochemical research on mitochondria, coupled with nuclear events that are central to transcription, translation, and epigenomic regulation mechanisms, will be the key to reveal the mystery of life, namely “life-aging-disease-death". On the other hand, from the viewpoint of life span, aging signals such as telomeres, DNA damage, oxidative stress, sirtuins, nutrition and metabolism are commonly concentrated in the nucleus and mitochondria. In this symposium, with the theme of "Biochemical Research on Nucleus and Mitochondria," we will introduce pioneering studies that have opened up the relationship between the nucleus and mitochondria and disease pathophysiology from the perspective of transcriptional control and metabolic regulation through new approaches such as single cell analysis, complex analysis and trans-omics analysis. I would hopefully like to deepen our discussion on the biochemistry of “life-aging-disease-death" from the viewpoint of synergy between nucleus, mitochondria and technology, including the new possibilities that will be opened up in the future.

Outline：Mammals are capable of keeping their internal environment constant regardless of the change in external environment as evidenced by their endothermy. The ability to maintain a constant internal environment is supported by the potency to adjust their metabolic rate and/or state to the change of an external environment depending on circadian or seasonal fluctuation. In addition, mammals make metabolic state transitions in their lifetime when they experience huge environmental changes at delivery, during growth, or sometimes in pathological conditions. Elucidating how animals adapt to the environmental fluctuations and avoid tissue damages has many implications for preventing or combating diseases. In this symposium, young researchers using a variety of life stages/model animals share the latest progress on these research topics.

Outline：The nucleolus is a membrane-less nuclear structure (nuclear body) that can be easily observed with an optical microscope. The nucleolus has long been known as a site for ribosome biogenesis, but it has recently revealed that it has various functions such as cell division control, cellular senescence, RNP complex formation, and stress responses. It is also known that abnormalities in the structure and functions of the nucleolus are tightly associated with human diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorder. Therefore, it is very important to elucidate the details of the nucleolar formation mechanism and its various functions. In addition, the nucleolus is not a simple aggregate consisting of proteins and RNAs, but its constituent factors show very fluid properties, and thereby the nucleolus undergoes dynamic structural changes during the cell stress response and cell cycle. Furthermore, attention has been recently focused on the involvement of liquid-liquid phase separation in nucleolar formation.In this symposium, we will share the latest research results on the formation mechanism of the nucleolus by liquid-liquid phase separation, the new functions of the nucleolus, and the relationship between the nucleolus and diseases.

Outline：At confused social situation caused by COVID-19, the importance of immunity as a biological defense system is re-recognized, and further the relationship between immunologic and metabolic diseases are attracting attention. In recent years, areas such as immune metabolism, which is a fusion area of immunity and metabolism, have become a new trend of biology and medicine, and dietary and nutritional components function as important factors in the control of immune metabolism. Although biological functions of dietary and nutritional components had many parts of vagueness, recent development of analytical technology is revealing the detailed control mechanism. At this symposium, pioneering researcers will give a talk on the future prospects of new fusion fields to clarify the interrelationship of "immunity, metabolism, and nutrition" using multiple analytical techniques and discuss the possibilities of a new field of biochemistry.

Outline：Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by accumulation of amyloid-β in the brains, followed by neuroinflammation, neurovascular defects, tau pathology and neuron loss. Recently, detection of AD risk at very early stage is being actualized by rapid progress in PET imaging and blood biomarker studies. To develop high precision medicine for AD, unraveling commonality and diversity of AD pathogenesis at molecular levels among ethnic groups and even individuals is crucial. We invite the front-line researchers conducting data-driven research to discover AD risk genes in Japanese, to predict risk of AD by AI, and to unravel therapeutic targets for AD by gene-network analysis. We will also discuss multifaceted roles of APOE, the most significant AD risk, in AD pathogenesis and future therapeutics.

Outline：The immune system is a tightly tuned defense mechanism, and its dysregulation can cause a broad range of diseases including autoimmune diseases, excessive inflammation, and tumor growth. The immune system consists of different types of immune cells with diverse functions, which are the results of gene expression coordinately regulated by chromatin modifications, transcription factors, and post-transcriptional regulators. Recent technical advances in genomics and single cell analysis have led to a paradigm shift in the field of transcriptional and post-transcriptional networks that regulate immune cell functions. In this symposium, researchers working on transcription and RNA regulation in immune cells with unique approaches will present their latest findings and discuss them from multiple perspectives.

Outline：Electrophiles covalently bind to sensor proteins with reactive cysteine residues, thereby modulating a variety of redox signaling pathways. On the other hand, one of current topic is that histone undergo chemical modification by benzoic acid though the lysine residues, leading to the alteration in gene expression. A series of research results suggest that protein nucleophiles would be covalently modified by chemical substances taken into the body through the living environment, lifestyle and dietary habits; as a result, some cellular redox signaling pathways would be potentially activated. In this symposium, researchers who promote the modeling of "adduct exposomes" for substances that have the ability to chemically modify proteins, outline their strategy and recent findings of the study.

Outline：Differentiation and responses of various cells depend on gene regulation by DNA binding transcription factors. Transcription factors carry out their functions by interacting with other factors and chromatin-related proteins, which thus form dynamic Gene Regulatory Network (GRN) with their upstream signaling molecules including metabolites and downstream specific sets of target genes. Hematopoietic cell system has been leading investigations on GRN, in which various GRNs have been identified to regulate lineage commitment, progression along the chosen fates, and responses of cells to their microenvironment as well as homeostatic requirement of the body. This symposium will focus on recent advances and discoveries of various GRNs in the hematopoietic system and their exploitation toward new therapeutic strategies. Novel technologies for GRN research will also be discussed.

Outline：Glycan or glycosylation is deeply involved in the various biological events. Glycosylation changes occur in many disease states. Therefore, it has been expected to understand and regulate disease states by monitoring or modifying glycan structures. Most of the glycosyltransferases have been identified and the biosynthetic pathways of glycans were elucidated in decades. The achievements advance the glycan research from “understanding of biosynthetic pathways" to “overcoming of the diseases by glycan alterations". Hence, it has been poised to study disease regulation by glycan modification. In this symposium, we invite six young scientists those are next generation researchers of glycosylation or glycolipid fields which are involved in cancer, kidney diseases, and neuropathology. We will discuss about the regulation of these diseases and the future perspectives.

Outline：Polyamines are essential for cellular functions and play fundamental roles in life. As they exist from the virus to humans, it is important to clarify the physiological functions of polyamines to understand how life runs. Moreover, recent researches are revealing the connection between polyamine metabolism and diseases so maintaining the normal polyamine levels is expected to be beneficial for healthy life especially in the elderly. In this symposium, the speakers will share the latest progress in polyamine research related to the roles of polyamines in cellular functions and diseases, and provide opportunities to discuss the future research road map. We welcome the researchers new in the field and exciting collaborations.

Outline：Mouse models of human cancers are vital for understanding mechanisms of tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and also for evaluating new anti-tumor drugs. For this Symposium, we will invite 6 speakers who have generated or utilized innovative mouse models that target driver genes, express fusion genes, induce metabolic disruption or cellular senescence, and/or feature a unique approach to mutagenesis. The aim of the Symposium is to highlight how cutting-edge animal models advance our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms and fundamental principles of carcinogenesis, how these models can aid in defining signals important for resistance to molecularly targeted therapies, and how they can spur the development of effective new drugs for human malignancies.

Outline：The COVID-19 pandemic causing the global health crisis raises our interest to respiratory diseases unexpectedly. The respiratory system carrying out the gas exchange is the specialized organ which always contact with the air. Hence, it is exposed to “uninvited guests" including fine particles, oxidants and pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. To keep the lung microenvironment healthy, the respiratory system possesses the host defense mechanisms, impairment of which leads to a variety of respiratory diseases. Most of respiratory diseases are common and intractable as well. Speakers of this session are advanced researchers who try to discover new therapeutic options for the designated intractable diseases such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, alveolar hypoventilation syndrome, pulmonary arterial hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We will present the informative findings considering feedback of basic biochemical study to the clinical field.

Outline：Cell response is an important common foundation for life. It has been reported that membrane vesicles, which are composed of cell membranes of every cell, exists among all life in each kingdom. Cell response by membrane vesicles is gaining interest. Membrane vesicles have been called the exosomes or microvesicles in human and animals, and they are related to the regulation of immunity and a wide range of diseases, including cancer. All gram-negative and positive bacteria produce membrane vesicles, and cell response mediated by the bacterial membrane vesicles also exist between animals and bacteria, not only between bacterial cells. Therefore, cell responses by membrane vesicles exist not only in the human body but also between interkingdom. In this symposium, we hope to gain general understanding about cell responses by membrane vesicles over the kingdom.

Outline：The cilia-centrosome system undergoes dynamic changes in the cell cycle. During cell division, the centrosome serves as the center of spindle formation, whereas in quiescent cells, the centriole acts as the basal body for ciliogenesis. The cilia-centrosome system also provides the basis for the function of motile cilia to generate various hydrodynamic forces and primary cilia that are involved in the reception and transduction of chemical and mechanical signals. Thus, the cilia-centrosome system controls diverse biological phenomena. Owing to these crucial roles, disruptions in centrosome biogenesis, ciliogenesis, and intraciliary trafficking can cause cancer and hereditary disorders with a wide range of serious symptoms. However, many "mysteries" still remain in the regulation of the cilia-centrosome system. In this symposium, we will focus on the recent hot topics in cilia-centrosome research, and enthusiastically discuss the future prospects in the field.

Outline：Hematology, which has been developed mainly by elucidating the differentiation and proliferation mechanism of blood cells, has not been understood from the viewpoint of its position in the whole body and its interaction with other organs because of its specialty. In this area, we will understand the environmental response of hematopoietic tissues and their changes from the viewpoints of comparative biology and evolutionary medicine, and understand the mechanism by which the hematopoietic system supports the development and maintenance of organs in cooperation with the nervous system and endocrine metabolic system. To clarify. Furthermore, we will elucidate the physiology of psychiatric disorders / viral infections caused by distortion of the hematopoietic system and modern diseases such as cancer / cardiovascular disease. Through these three approaches, we will build a new academic system "the power of blood" that will be the foundation of biological understanding.

Outline：Chemical biology has been developed through the fusion of various core research fields including chemistry and biochemistry. In collaboration with genomics, metabolomics, chemoinfomatics, etc., an integrated understanding of various chemical signals in the living body is being achieved. By understanding the chemical signals that work between living organisms and proceeding with the search, identification, functional analysis of bioactive ligands, and target-oriented phenotypic screenings, it is also expected to expand to advanced medicines such as drug discovery seeds and logical design of chemical tools. On this symposium, we will receive lectures from leading researchers who promote the development of functional molecules based on natural products and synthetic ligands. We will discuss the future direction of drug discovery-oriented chemical biology research, such as the regulation of various biological functions by understanding chemical signals, and the creation of innovative medicines and pesticides.

Outline：The COVID-19 has spread worldwide, leading to a pandemic, and science would play an important role under these circumstances. Disruptive innovations like vaccine development have the conventional disciplinarity obsolete. Researchers are urged to reform the novel academic systems. On this symposium, two years after the outbreak, we discuss the potential mission of basic science to fight against the emerging infectious disease following the footsteps of young researchers.This symposium begins with the host immune response that could drive innovations in emerging viral infections, and further introduces the development of serological diagnosis, epidemiology, and the convalescent plasma therapy. The other researchers give lectures on the novel molecular marker exploration and the antiviral drug/vaccine development. In addition, we will introduce international joint research in Africa and Central America.

Outline：Sulfur is consisted as an essential element in biomolecules such as sulfur-containing amino acids and certain vitamins. Accumulating evidence has suggested that all organisms actively produce “Supersulfides" having long-sulfur chains and utilize them in diverse biological processes such as energy production, host defense, and protein quality controls, based on their unique redox biology. Developments of global quantitative supersulfide-omics and -imaging are necessary basis for understanding of biological properties of supersulfides. In this symposium, we will discuss multidisciplinary approaches for understanding of supersulfides from view points of omics-imaging technologies, biological functions, and chemical modular development. Important roles of International Consortium for Supersulfide Omics Initiative we are now developing will be discussed.

Outline：In eukaryotes, genomic DNA is packaged into chromatin. Recently, it has been revealed that chromatin structure plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression. This may be the foundation of the epigenetic gene regulation mechanism. The repeating unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which is composed of histone proteins and DNA. The function of chromatin is closely related to epigenetic information such as histone modifications and histone variants, which affect the factors interacting with chromatin. Therefore, it is important to elucidate how chromatin structure, including the chromatin interacting factors, functions in the regulation of gene expression. In this symposium, we will present the latest findings on how the chromatin structure regulates gene expression.

Outline：Glycans are widely distributed in the body and attach to proteins and lipids to carry out various biological reactions. In recent years, research efforts to elucidate the biological functions of glycans have become more active due to the advancing technologies that have accumulated comprehensive data on glycans, including omics analysis, unique analysis technology, and data science. Through comprehensive analysis of glycans, essential life science questions covering basic biological phenomena and functions in human diseases will be elucidated.This symposium introduces the frontiers of fusion research, which combines the capabilities of various analytical fields to achieve a comprehensive analysis aimed at developing an integrated understanding of biological phenomena involving glycans.

Outline：In recent years, effects of various fine particles from environment (exogenous fine particles) like PM2.5 and carbon nanotubes to a living body and functions of fine particles in a living body (endogenous fine particles) like exosomes have been focused. JST PRESTO project “Function and control of fine particles in a living body", starting on October 2017, has promoted elucidation of dynamics and functions of fine particles and R&D aimed at their control. This time, as a second achievement report of this project, five PRESTO researchers will introduce their newly developed practical methods based on new techniques to analyze in vivo dynamics of fine particles and the findings on biological functions and significance of fine particles.We would like to use this opportunity to acquire various comments and advices on our projects from a broad point of view and develop our research further to contribute to various solutions of environmental and health problems.

Outline：Ubiquitination is an essential post-translational modification and regulates diverse biological events including proteostasis, signal transduction, gene expression, translation, and intracellular trafficking. Such diverse functions of ubiquitination are accomplished by ubiquitin chains of different topologies. Thus, the information embedded in the ubiquitin chains is refereed to as ‘the ubiquitin code'. Recent studies revealed increasingly broader roles for ubiquitination, for example, in the contexts of translational control, epigenome, and liquid-liquid phase separation, by utilizing advanced technologies of proteomics, structural biology, and chemical protein knockdown. In this symposium, we will share information of recent progress in the field of the ubiquitin code biology and discuss future directions to open up a new frontier of the field.

Outline：Kidney has lots of function to maintain body homeostasis, and is composed by specially differentiated cell groups. Each cell group has a unique morphology and function, and interacts each other. Using various novel analysis techniques, many new structural and functional findings of kidney cell have been accumulated recently. Although the each kidney cell has a unique morphology and specially differentiated function, the new findings would have special potential to stimulate innovative or ground-breaking ideas to other research areas. The Japanese Society of Nephrology encourage to expand renal research consortiums. This symposium is conducted to make the member of The Japanese Biochemical Society interest in research for kidney disease.

Outline：Natural medicines have been established throughout its long history and used as medicines by devising the types, amounts, and combinations of crude drugs. Natural medicines are used as supplements for Western medicines and those with therapeutic effects even in cases where Western medicine treatment is ineffective. Everyone knows the effects of Natural medicine, but the scientific basis was scarce. Moreover, since Natural medicines are complex drugs, it was difficult to clarify the medical mechanism. With the improvement of scientific technology, basic research on Natural medicines has progressed, and clarified the elucidation of the mechanism at the molecular level. In this symposium, we would like to discuss the clinical application of Natural medicines from the molecular level of action toward a healthy and long-lived society.

Outline：pH is one of the most fundamental factors affecting every biochemical reaction, and thus pH inside all organisms is usually tightly controlled. In contrast, the surrounding environmental pH is rapidly acidifying at a rate never seen before in the history of earth, but the response and adaptation mechanisms to these environmental pH fluctuations and other relationships between life and environmental pH have remained largely unknown. Recent advances in technology have paved the way to address these issues, which also led us to find out the unexpected role of pH in biology and encourages us to reconsider the understanding of pH in life sciences. In this symposium, young innovative scientists in various life science fields, including biochemistry, cancer, plant, and marine biology, will introduce and discuss these latest results of pH research.

Outline：Membrane transport proteins, such as transporters, pumps and channels, have responsibilities for regulating chemical gradients across membranes, sustaining life. Thus, the proteins have essential physiological roles, and the dysfunction causes diseases. The recent development of analytical techniques has significantly advanced our understanding of the proteins, increasing the focus on the proteins. Yet, many are orphan molecules among over 500 human membrane transport proteins, and a handful of molecules have been well studied. We have focused molecules with “loud voice" that indicated important physiological or pathological roles. But are we aware of the murmurings behind such “loud voices"? Are we paying attention to the molecules with “small voice" behind the molecules with louder voices? After the death of Kaback, Sachs, and other “giants" of the research field, we must listen carefully to the whispers of our proteins and understand them deeper while standing on the knowledge from giants. We want to discuss the membrane transport proteins with worldwide researchers to connect the past and present and construct our new research.

Outline：Various genetically modified animal production techniques have been developed based on genome editing techniques. In this symposium, we would like to introduce new techniques for producing genetically modified animals and inter-specific chimeric animals, and their application examples.

Outline：Traditional small molecule drugs have been developed primarily through a team effort of clinicians, pharmacologists, and medicinal chemists. Now the definition of “drug" has been expanded enormously to include biological (protein) drugs, cell-therapies, and gene therapies, calling for the need to assemble cutting-edge expertise from much wider scientific disciplines. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic situation created a demand to accelerate the drug development at an unprecedented speed, which may not be achievable by the traditional drug development sectors alone. By showcasing several novel medical innovations being developed by basic molecular or cellular biology researchers, we hope that this symposium will help many basic biochemists in all disciplines to realize the potential of their science to contribute more to the medical innovations.

Outline：The novel coronavirus-induced disease(COVID-19) ranges from asymptomatic, mild cold-like symptoms to severe cases requiring treatment in the ICU and sudden death, and sequelae after recovery are also a major problem. Large-scale analysis of patients and clinical trials have been conducted, but one year after the pandemic, no factors or silver bullets that determine the definitive pathology have been found. For this reason, an interdisciplinary approach is indispensable, and researchers in a wide range of research fields from virology, biochemistry, cell biology, etc. to theoretical mathematics are participating in the research of COVID-19. In this symposium, research results on viral ecology, host immunoinflammatory response, thrombosis / vasculitis, infection model animals, and theoretical mathematical approaches will be presented from the perspective of virus-host interaction in SARS-CoV-2 infection / pathology, thereby contributing to the development of new interdisciplinary research in the era of post-corona.

Outline：Life has benefited by oxygen. By contraries, life has resisted against it all the time. Therefore, cells are constantly exposed to the intrinsic and exogenous oxidative stresses. To maintain cellular homeostasis under such conditions, cells develop distinct redox environments including the redox-controlling systems in respective intracellular compartments. Recent studies have envisaged unique cellular tactics to sense, adapt, and counteract various oxidative stresses in respective organelles or by inter-organelle cooperation, which have established an important research field in cell biology. In this symposium, we will address the strategic lessons and perspectives in cell adaptation and defense against oxidative stress and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis under the redox states.

Outline：Understanding the genome is an important aspect of life sciences. Presently, to analyze genome structure, X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR are used. Genetic information is encoded not only in nucleotide sequences but also in the higher-order structures and physical properties of the nucleosome. A ribonucleotide is incorporated into the DNA double strand at a position every few thousand base pairs in the genome, and ribonucleotide H2 is involved in its removal. Moreover, large sequences of DNA (> 500 kb) can be constructed and manipulated. In the current symposium, researchers in this field discuss contemporary topics and novel concepts related to genome structure, function, and stability.

Outline：Lipids play fundamental roles in life as an essential component of cell membranes, as a major source of energy, as intracellular and extracellular signal mediators, and as a body surface barrier. The perturbation of lipids, in terms of quantity and quality, is tightly associated with various diseases. Lipid biochemistry, used to be a small area in life science, is now closely linked to pathophysiology such as metabolism, immunity, cancer, neuron, skin, reproduction, and development among others, and has made great progress in lipid biology. In this symposium, 6 speakers will provide the latest topics on the forefront of lipid biology covering the four major functions of lipids. These topics include novel action modes of secreted phospholipiase A2s, an old but new aspect of prostaglandin, an unappreciated metabolic flow from phospholipids to neutral lipids toward NASH, a unique regulatory role of lipids for T-cell immunity, a novel insight into lipid-driven linkage between inflammation and regeneration, and a large-scale degradation of intracellular organella membranes.

Outline：Gene regulation is fundamental to life activity. Understanding of the basic mechanisms of gene regulation including transcription and RNA regulation has continued to grow in recent years. Advances in bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing, genome/RNA engineering, and single cell analysis not only enable high-resolution understanding of gene regulation but also promote to connect diverse genome-wide information and research fields; genome information and disease mechanisms; and population level genetics and single cell gene regulation, toward comprehensive understanding of biological systems. This symposium will connect domestic and foreign researchers (“Jet lag symposium") and discuss the cutting edge and future of gene regulation and network research.

Outline：This session aims to introduce state-of-the-art biotechnologies to address important biomedical questions regarding stem cells, genome engineering, single cell RNA-seq and physiology. Early career scientists who developed high impact research in USA will introduce their latest research as part of jet lag symposium and will discuss for the potential of biomedical innovation.

Outline：From birth complications to cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration, we face the risk of developing a plethora of diseases throughout our lives. Over the past decade, it has become increasingly evident that factors contributing to disease development, from genetic alterations to inflammation, metabolic disorders, and stress, have systemic effects. Therefore, developing effective therapies against each disease requires multidisciplinary teams and multi-pronged approaches that can rapidly lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and thus to the novel targeted therapies. In this symposium, young investigators focusing on diseases such as pregnancy complications, aging, cancer, and atherosclerosis will discuss how immune cells as well as circulating factors such as metabolites, inflammatory molecules and exosomes act systemically and the approaches taken for comprehensive understanding of systemic disease biology.

Outline：DNA replication is a complicated event involving multiple factors that should act in a timely manner. To combat cancers that replicate infinitely, the strategy to inhibit replication of cancer cells is a well-accepted idea and is practically executed by DNA-damaging agents and replication inhibitors for decades. Based on the latest studies about replication factors and their functions, we would discuss about novel anti-cancer strategies targeting DNA replication. This symposium consists of three topics; 1/ novel regulation for CDT1, an essential protein for replication firing, 2/ anti-cancer effect by inhibition of CDC7, a kinase for replication helicase MCMs, 3/ functions of SLFN11 that augments anti-cancer effect of a broad type of DNA-damaging agents through restricting replication.

Outline：Mitochondria not only produce ATP, but also play various roles in lipid metabolism, maintenance of intracellular calcium homeostasis, and regulation of immune response. On the other hand, mitochondria are dangerous organelles that are constantly exposed to stress, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the process of oxidative phosphorylation oxidizes DNA, lipids, and proteins, involving in the pathogenesis of aging-related diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, damaged mitochondria are thought to induce further ROS production and cause whole cell damage. In recent years, a mechanism called mitophagy has been elucidated to selectively eliminate defective mitochondria. In this symposium, research groups that have been energetically analyzing the mitochondrial quality control mechanism will introduce the newly clarified mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and discuss its link to pathological conditions. We plan to have young researchers make presentations.

Outline：Mitochondria evolved from endosymbiotic alpha-proteobacteria to become essential cellular organelles that play multiple roles to support eukaryotic life. The recent development of novel experimental approaches has enabled us to uncover detailed molecular mechanisms by which mitochondria-resident machineries execute their roles. Simultaneously, the vital importance of communication between mitochondria and other cellular organelles was discovered. For example, mitochondrial proteins that are involved in mitochondrial protein translation or protein quality control contribute to the maintenance of cellular protein homeostasis. Ion transporters on the mitochondrial membrane control cellular ion balance and various cellular signal transduction pathways. Mitochondria and the ER actively exchange ions and phospholipids, which is important for the functions of each organelle. In this symposium, we will invite young investigators to highlight cutting edge technologies and findings that open up a new era of mitochondrial biology research.

Outline：Some mammals actively lower their body temperature to reduce energy expenditure when facing food scarcity, a state known as hibernation. Hibernating animals fully recover to a normal condition with no organ or tissue damage. Because a hypometabolic state could be beneficial for many medical applications, this ability has evoked great interest. We found that chemogenetic excitatory manipulation of a neuronal population in the anteroventricular periventricular hypothalamus induces a long-lasting hypothermic/hypometabolic state similar to hibernation. These neurons act mainly on the dorsomedial hypothalamus to induce the hypometabolic state. This finding opens the door to the development of induction of a hibernation-like state, which would have potential applications in non-hibernating mammalian species including humans. We will discuss physiological states of the induced hypometabolic states focusing on the thermoregulatory system and biological clock.

Outline：Biological organisms on the earth are classified into three domains, Bacteria, Eukarya, and Archaea. Many archaea live in extreme environments and have unique vital functions not found in Bacteria and Eukarya. Metagenomic analysis is now very popular, and we now know that archaea inhabit not only in extreme environments, but widely in everywhere on the earth. Recently, new archaea belonging to phylogenetically different phyla have been proposed one after another. In this symposium, we would like to progress our understanding of living phenomena in Archaea by introducing the forefront research of biochemistry in the fields of genetic information system, cell structure, energy metabolism system, biological defense system (CRISPR / Cas system).

Outline：An increasing number of neurological conditions are associated with chromatin dysregulation. However, it is unclear why the brain is so sensitive to altered chromatin regulation. In this symposium, experts in the field discuss their recent findings on how and why the brain chromatin is regulated in a unique way compared to other organs.

Outline：Every organ consists of parenchymal and interstitial tissues. Although roles of interstitia have ever been considered to be limited to supporting parenchymas physically and functionally, recent studies have piled up evidence that interstitia actively regulate parenchymal functions. Additionally, direct associations between interstitia and systemic physiological functions have been identified. Since interstitia seem to recognize conditions of parenchymal metabolism and systemic oxygen supply by monitoring oxygen dynamics in interstitia that are the path of oxygen into parenchymas, hypoxia (low oxygen) is thought to impact interstitial functions related to metabolic regulation, inflammation and cell differentiation. In this session, various initiative roles of interstitial tissues of heart, kidney, bone marrow and tumor, all of which are related to hypoxia signaling, will be introduced and discussed.

Outline：The GATA transcription factors are zinc finger proteins consisting of six members, GATA1 to 6, that bind directly to the consensus motif (T/A)GATA(A/G). GATA factors are highly conserved throughout evolution. Recent technology progression of genome-wide screenings and multi-omics approaches uncover the GATA factors not only work for DNA sequence recognition but also indispensably regulate the global transcription via distal enhancer-promoter associations and protein-protein interactions. Beyond the conventional GATA-theory as a vital factor for early embryogenesis and fate commitment, they are now recognized as a key regulator for postnatal pathophysiological inflammation and angiogenesis. This symposium aims to discuss and summarize the exact GATA factor mediated transcriptional systems and related pathology through this symposium.

Outline：Metabolic syndrome, indicated by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. To develop novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of these pathologies, it is essential to better understand the lipid metabolism and its disorders. Recently, identification and characterization of new genes involved in lipid metabolism and advances in lipid analytical tools such as mass spectrometer has offered a tremendous opportunity to advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms behind metabolic syndrome. In this symposium, we invited cutting-edge researchers on lipid metabolism in the field of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. We will discuss exciting future prospects in next-generation lipid research.

Outline：With technological innovations such as next-generation sequencers, mass spectrometers, and imaging, multi-level biological information is being accumulated, but many life scientists are struggling to analyze them. To utilize big-data to create innovative knowledge that transcends known disciplines, it is essential to conduct interdisciplinary research that utilizes wisdom and new theories cultivated in different fields, such as mathematical science, informatics, and physics. On the other hand, many life science researchers may still feel uncomfortable about how to conduct cross-disciplinary research and what exactly they should do. In this sympodium, researchers who are approaching cancer and neuroscience with the latest analysis technologies such as multi-omics analysis and AI, as well as cutting-edge imaging technologies, will gather to introduce the latest measurement and analysis technologies. We will introduce and provide an opportunity for young researchers to enter new fields.

Outline：Cells contain a large number of different proteins in distinct compartments. Maintenance of proper conformations and physiological concentrations of proteins, called as proteostasis, is necessary for normal cell function. Proteostasis is regulated through synthesis, folding, degradation and localization of proteins. Its impairment is associated with accumulation of aggregates and amyloid fibrils within cells, which is related to progression of neurodegenerative disease and cancer. In this symposium, we show regulatory mechanisms, including intracellular movement, of chaperone and ubiquitin-proteasome systems, which are major processes to cope with the accumulation of protein aggregates. We also show novel signaling pathways and processes, which are tightly related with aggregate formation. Based on our observations, we will discuss to comprehensively understand proteostasis network pathways.

Outline：Sugars are highly reactive molecules that are essential for the body but yet can produce toxic compounds. Sugars are defined by the presence of a hydroxyl group, aldehyde group, or ketone group. It is the aldehyde and ketone groups that are highly reactive; in a process known as the Maillard reaction, they bind non-enzymatically with protein amino groups to form early-stage products (i.e., Schiff base and Amadori product) that are converted into advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In the field of food science, studies on the Maillard reaction have traditionally focused on elucidating its mechanism and on studying how controlling browning and odor generation can improve the palatability of foods. In recent years, research on both the functionality of Maillard reaction products and the physiological effects of odorous components has received considerable attention.In the field of medical science, the abnormal accumulation of dicarbonyl metabolites leads to modification of proteins and the creation of AGEs. As glycation contributes to cell and tissue dysfunction, AGEs are a risk factor for various late-life diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. However, the developmental effects and health-related impact of glycative stress from fetus to adolescence, and the molecular basis of those effects, are unknown. In addition, some specialists have recently discovered that in population-based cohorts (e.g., the Tokyo teen cohort) the developmental trajectory of glycation during pregnancy and adolescence may be predictive of later psychotic symptoms. In this symposium, we hope that new data will provide information for elucidating novel molecular mechanisms within the fields of food and medical sciences.

Outline：Blood and lymphatic vascular systems play an essential role in maintaining life. The blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell and actively regulate formation, maintenance, and regeneration of the tissues and organs through production of angiocrine factors in response to the surrounding environment, while the lymphatic vessels maintain homeostasis by controlling the excretion of tissue fluid and the transport of immune cells. Therefore, functional impairment of blood and lymphatic vessels are closely related to the pathology of various diseases which include COVID-19 currently raging around the world. In this symposium, we will invite leading scientists in the field of vascular biology to share recent progresses in understanding the significance of blood and lymphatic vascular systems in maintaining homeostasis and disease progression.

Outline：Membrane transporters play in indispensable roles on cellular functions, such as intake of nutrition, excretion of unnecessary metabolites, energy production by respiration and photosynthesis, environmental stress response, and cell signalling. Since membrane transporters are membrane protein, well-elaborated approaches to overcome difficulties are required compared to soluble protein. In this symposium, using innovative techniques: cryoEM, high-speed atomic force microscopy, all-atom MD simulation with supercomputers, electrophysiology, and imaging, we will introduce new aspects of membrane transporters including the mechanistic, dynamic, and physiological functions. The techniques presented here are highly useful for biochemistry society members who are studying membrane transporters. The symposium will contribute to developing the membrane transport research field. Moreover, our symposium has a diversity of presenters in age, gender, career.

Outline：The organ is not just a sum of individual cells, but a dynamic multicellular system where diverse cell types and their extracellular microenvironment interact with each other to regulate the system. Although extracellular microenvironments contain diverse information that controls cell fate and behavior, their molecular identities, spatiotemporal dynamics and interactions with resident cells remain elusive due to inherent technical difficulties in the study of extracellular factors. However, recent technical advances in the detection, visualization and manipulation of extracellular factors, including extracellular matrices, morphogens and exosomes, enable us to better understand their dynamics in living organs, providing new conceptual information on the biology of the extracellular microenvironment. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest research on the dynamic interaction between cells and their extracellular microenvironment, and discuss future directions of this research field.

Outline：Many physiological events in organisms exhibit time-of-day-dependent variations, which are regulated by an intrinsic time-measuring system, called the circadian clock. Circadian clock starts ticking at embryogenesis, matures during development and attenuates with aging. Human epidemiological and model animal researches have demonstrated that maintaining proper and robust circadian clock leads to improved physical health as well as healthy aging. However, the molecular links between the circadian clock and health/aging are still largely unknown and represent an active area of research. The aim of this symposium is to share the latest findings about the links between circadian clock and health/aging and discuss healthy aging from the perspective of the circadian clock.

Outline：In recent drug discovery and development, mid-sized molecules such as peptides, oligonucleotides, and complexed lipids are of keen interest as “new modalities". Among them, peptides play critical roles in signal transduction or molecular interactions as well as physiological regulations, which might be related with refractory diseases. In this symposium, as the basics for peptide-based drug discovery, we will discuss and share information about importance of physiological meaning of peptides and tips in handling them in R&D. Presenters will introduce their recent achievements related to peptide sciences or mid-sized drug discovery.

Outline：The morphological and functional changes of nervous system upon development, ageing, injury, and various diseases are caused by mutual interactions among multiple cell types, including neurons, glial cells, and immune cells. These various types of cells regulate their differentiation and functions each other through the direct and indirect molecular communication. Recent advances in molecular biological and imaging techniques have revealed novel modalities of cell-cell communication. This symposium aims to introduce latest research achievement in the mechanisms of mutual communications among the diverse cell types in the nervous system during aging or diseases. We hope to provide a place to discuss new aspects of dynamic intercellular collaborations in the nervous system.

Outline：Sulfur is considered as the first nutrients to produce the energy act as electron acceptors in the early earth, which is sulfur-rich and oxygen-poor environment. Although most of organisms adapted to increasing O2 level to support cellular energy in mitochondria, sulfur-containing metabolites still retained an important roles in cellular function. To date, recent metabolomics techniques demonstrated that sulfur-containing metabolites work for various physiologic effects (e.g., powerful antioxidants, methyl donor for posttranslational modification, detoxification, longevity, etc.). In this symposium, we invite young investigators from various “sulfur research fields" dealing with various experimental animals. We will discuss about the novel functions of sulfur-containing metabolites from micro-to-macro viewpoints.

Outline：The chromosome, the carrier of genetic information, is a large and complex assembly of DNA and countless proteins. Duplication, maintenance, and inheritance of chromosomes are mediated by higher-order protein complexes that are dynamically assembled, transformed, and disassembled as needed. Therefore, understanding the function, structure, and regulation of such complexes is the essential foundation for the clarification of diverse functions of chromosomes. The action of those complexes is also extremely elaborate and dynamic, and its understanding demands the latest technologies in structural analysis and creative methodologies. This symposium covers wide aspects of chromosome behavior, including replication, transcription, repair, chromosome structure, segregation, and three domains of life: bacteria, archaea, and eukarya, to discuss the mechanisms underlying chromosome functions from a broad perspective, including evolution.

Outline：Of the lipids constituting biological membranes, sphingolipids are particularly diverse in structure and function. This symposium will cover recent advances in the sphingolipid research on structural diversity, biosynthesis, physiology, and pathology in different species (bacteria, plants, and mammals). The diverse sphingolipids include bacterial glucuronosylceramides and galactosylceramides, plant glucosylceramides and inositol-containing sphingolipids, and mammalian glucosylceramides, galactosylceramides, gangliosides, and ceramides. These sphingolipids have a variety of physiological functions such as immunity, responses to environmental changes, regulation of glucose metabolism, skin barrier formation, and neural function, and the impairment of their synthesis or homeostasis cause various disorders (obesity/metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, and ichthyosis).

Outline：In the central nervous development, enormously diverse neurons are generated. While the vertebrate retina comprises five major types of neurons (photoreceptor cell, bipolar cell, horizontal cell, amacrine cell, ganglion cell), each major cell type contains multiple subtypes. The mouse retina is known to contain totally more than 80 subtypes. The brain has various neurons as well. It has been suggested that proper development of diverse neurons is achieved through the gene regulation by endogenous transcription factors and the environmental stimulation by extracellular molecules, however, its precise mechanisms are still unclear. Since cell differentiation process continues much longer than previously thought and environmental cues affect cell differentiation through gene expression regulation, its underlying mechanisms are of much interest. By elucidating these mechanisms, we may be able to establish an scientific bases for the development of neuronal regeneration and therapies for neuronal psychiatric disorders. In this symposium, the prominent researchers, who study neuronal development by focusing on gene expression regulation, will give presentations to progress our understanding on the gene expression regulation in neuronal development.

Outline：Though autophagy has been generally considered to be a non-selective degradation pathway, autophagy pathway has selectivity. It has become clear that soluble proteins, liquid-liquid phase separated granules, aggregates, nucleic acids, and organelles such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum are selectively recognized, sequestered and degraded. Like the ubiquitin-proteasome system, such selective degradation through autophagy is becoming clear to be involved in various vital events such as cellular differentiation, stem cell homeostasis and anti-aging. In this symposium, we show the cutting-edge of the selective autophagy-study and discuss about perspective of the research of autophagy-field.

Outline：Animal tissue is composed of parenchymal cells and the stroma, which contains a variety of cells, including vascular cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, and stem cells, as well as ECM. Recent studies have shown that the stroma not only acts as a niche for supporting parenchymal tissues but also controls tissue homeostasis and the onset and progression of various pathologies by interacting with parenchymal cells. In particular, single-cell technologies' progress has been revealing that stromal cells have much more spatiotemporal specific diversity than expected. At this symposium, leading young scientists will introduce cutting-edge researches of stromal cell biology to understand homeostasis and pathophysiology led by the stroma.

Outline：Living organisms are constantly exposed to endogenous stressors such as reactive oxygen species generated in life activities and exogenous stressors such as ionizing radiation. Both stressors are known to directly or indirectly damage biological macromolecules (proteins, lipids and DNA). The accumulation of such macromolecules in cells can lead to decreased physiological functions. Prolonged calorie/dietary restriction has been shown to extend the lifespan of animals and delay or suppress the onset of age-related diseases such as cancer. However, there are few studies on the effects of diet on short-term stress once received at a young age and long-term stress received during aging. This symposium will provide hot topics in the fields of stresses and diet.

Outline：Interactions among living organisms, such as infection and symbiosis, are important factors that define the nature of life on Earth. Interactions between organisms are influenced by various external (environmental) and internal (physiological) factors, and are dynamically fluctuating in space and time on Earth. As a result of these interactions, individuals and populations (or cell communities in the case of unicellular organisms) increase or decrease in number in the short term, and in the long term form the current ecosystem on Earth through survival and selection of species. In order to unravel the picture of life brought about by interactions among organisms, it is essential to understand life at the molecular level based on biochemical mechanisms. In this symposium, we will discuss the future of biochemical-based measurement, prediction, and control of biological interactions at the molecular level, in order to explore a unified molecular-based view on diverse biologica

Outline：In the 1960s, Hayflick defined cellular senescence as the irreversible growth arrest of cells in vitro. Back in those days, most researchers considered that cellular senescence was merely an artifact; at that time cancer cells were the major experimental tool, dividing indefinitely under ideal growth conditions. Nowadays, multiple lines of evidence indicate that cellular senescence contributes to organismal aging. In this symposium, the early/mid-career researchers opening new horizons in cellular senescence field will present their ongoing research. I hope this symposium will provide an opportunity to discuss emerging trends in the field.

Outline：Mitochondria are central to health and disease. We have shown that brain-derived neurtrophic factor (BDNF) is produced also by skeletal muscles to promote mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid metabolism, and that blood BDNF levels are decreased in heart failure and aging, worsening heart functions. However, many unsolved questions still exist, including mitochondrial regulation by various myokines, metabolic reprogramming and usage of ketone bodies over fatty acids under some conditions. Thus, integrated understanding of mitochondria in relation to the whole body system and conditions is highly anticipated. In this symposium, we invite early- and mid-career investigators, and discuss future directions and problems to help establishing HUMAN BIOLOGY of the mitochondria biochemistry.

Outline：The rhizosphere is a unique interface between the roots of plants and a variety of organisms and is a place where organisms interact with each other and with their eukaryotic hosts. However, the rhizosphere is complex and dynamic, with innumerable interactions between host plants and other organisms, and it changes dynamically with environmental changes as well as root growth and development. However, little is known about how rhizosphere communities are established and maintained, and how member organisms exchange information with each other and with their hosts. Recent genome analyses have revealed that plants and associated organisms encode enzymes capable of producing a wide variety of metabolites, but the functions of these enzymes remain largely unidentified. In this symposium, we will invite experts in the rhizosphere to provide a biochemical approach to understanding the rhizosphere.

Outline：Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is maintained by various mechanisms such as cell-autonomous function in neurons and heterogeneous cellular interaction within the CNS as well as impact from the systemic environment. Investigation of the CNS development and repair is important to understanding the regulation of neuronal function and also to providing the potential therapeutic molecules for treating CNS diseases. In this symposium, we will provide five stories about mechanisms of neuronal development and repair that are approached from a different perspective by young investigators in this research area.

Outline：Recent changes in the policy of promotion of scientific research, such as expanded project-based research and term limits, have made the researchers' career paths more uncertain and risky, leading to a decreased research activity. How can we change this situation? It may be necessary for us to understand what the policy makers think and to join in the dialogue and cooperation among the stakeholders. Further integration of researchers into society may increase the number of supporters of scientific research. In order to raise awareness of these issues, this symposium focused on the themes of science policy, research integrity, science communication, and newly formed Japanese AAAS. We will discuss these issues through a panel discussion after the talks.

Outline：Gene expression is required for fundamental cell processes, and its disruption causes various diseases. RNA mediates genomic information to proteins and acquires its function with various modifications. Recent advances in analytical methods have clarified RNA modification's essential physiological functions and clarified the relationship with intracellular signal transduction and metabolism through post-transcriptional regulation. Besides, the "RNA-protein complex (RNP)" formed by RNA with proteins plays a central role in the intracellular molecular mechanism. Translation machinery Ribosome, a typical RNP, is undergoing specific modification. It plays an essential role in recognizing abnormal translation, quality control of the ribosome itself, mRNA stability, and protein localization. Furthermore, the basic principles for controlling the function and formation of RNA and RNP complexes and manipulating cells have been uncovered. This symposium will introduce the latest research results aimed at newly modifying RNA and RNP and elucidating their physiological functions.

Outline：Among the various fatty acids, many studies have shown that conjugated fatty acids have various functional benefits. Especially, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to be effective against cancer, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, etc. It is also sold as a supplement and its safety has been confirmed. CLA has been shown to have physiological activity not only in peripheral tissues, but also in the central nervous system. The number of patients with dementia is rapidly increasing, and there are currently no effective drugs or treatments. The latest research suggests the ability of CLA to improve Alzheimer's disease symptoms. In this symposium, we would like to share and develop our knowledge of conjugated fatty acids and present the potential of CLA as preventive agents for dementia.

Outline：Glycans are exposed on the outermost side of cells and sensitively reflect changes in cell type as well as cell status such as tumorigenesis and differentiation. Furthermore, cell surface glycans also change due to aging. Therefore, glycans are extremely promising targets for targeting pathological cells and senescent cells. A drug targeting an endogenous lectin expressed specifically in a tissue (GalNAc-siRNA) and lectin-based cancer diagnosis (AFP-L3, M2BPGi) have already been put into practical use. Lectins are also expected to develop into drug carriers for targeting glycans exposed to pathological cells. At this symposium, we will give a wide range of lectures from basics to applications with the aim of constructing a new drug discovery strategy using glycans and lectins. Biochemical analysis of cancer-related glycosyltransferases, functions and applications of glycans in skin stem cells that change with aging, glucose metabolism that controls the behavior of cancer cells, and development of lectin drugs targeting pancreatic cancer. A lecture will be given by four young researchers in English who have the momentum to take charge of future glycan research. It is not interesting to study the prescribed route. We would like to discuss a challenging drug discovery strategy that utilizes glycans and lectins.

Outline：This year marks the 10th year since the first X-ray laser was produced at SACLA, an X-ray free electron laser facility in Japan. In the meantime, remarkable progress has been made in the structural biology. In synchrotron radiation facilities, fully automated X-ray diffraction data collection is available. Furthermore, the revolution of electron microscopy has made it possible to determine the 3D structures of membrane proteins and protein complexes. However, it is obvious that static structural information alone is not sufficient for an understanding of the action of biomolecules and that dynamic structural information is necessary. The development of research methods using SACLA has provided invaluable opportunity to observe the dynamic structures of proteins and enzymes. In this symposium, we will discuss on the latest research on “ultrafast molecular movies", mainly using X-ray free electron laser, integrated with various techniques such as spectroscopy and photo-dissociative compounds.

Outline：It is no exaggeration to say that many animals, including humans, survive by protecting themselves from the wide variety of endogenous and exogenous stresses that they are exposed to throughout their lives. In this symposium, we will focus on protein and mitochondria quality controls, antioxidant enzyme systems and immune systems. All of the speakers have been active in the field of basic research on aging for many years. In recent years, as the aging society progresses, interest in "aging" has increased in various fields of life science research. We hope that the symposium will serve as a platform of exchanging ideas with researchers who have been involved in basic research on aging, and will be an opportunity to find hints for new approaches to aging research.

Outline：Circulating system composed of vessels and heart is an essential organ to maintain various biological function and homeostasis. Therefore, vascular disorder triggers dysfunctions of tissue homeostasis, leading to progressive cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerotic lesion formation calcification and heart failure. Understanding of the impact on the body and the mechanism induced by vascular disorders leads us to prevent other diseases and develop effective treatments. In this symposium, we introduce the cutting-edge study for circulation in the molecular, cellular, animal, and clinical levels, and hope that we can get an active discussion for these topics.

Outline：Wnts play important roles in organogenesis during the embryonic period and maintaining adult homeostasis by activating multiple intracellular signaling cascades. Wnt signal abnormalities are deeply related to diseases including cancer. The mechanism of degradation of β-catenin, one of the Wnt signaling components, has been revealed in detail. However, it remains unclear the molecular mechanism of regulation of Wnt signaling activity and Wnt-dependent cellular responses, and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways. In this symposium, a wide range of researchers of Wnt signaling meet together and show the new insights into the regulation of cellular functions by Wnt signaling. I hope this symposium will be the beginning of a new era of Wnt study.

Outline：It will be difficult to make everyone healthy by conventional medical treatment due to economic and social limitations, and therefore, health promotion and disease prevention by eating "healthy foods" attract a lot of attention. It has long been known that the best medical treatment is eating "healthy foods", as it is often said "Food as medicine". What is notable is that "healthy foods" exert their effects by inducing "self-healing powers" that our body has, rather than directly suppressing the cause of the diseases in many cases. This is also true for medicines, and it can be said that "self-healing powers" are the basis of "Food as medicine". It is important to understand what kinds of "self-healing powers" we have and how "healthy foods" and "medicines" induce them. In this symposium, invited speakers, who are challenging to elucidate the molecular bases of "self-healing powers", will provide brand-new topics on "Food as medicine".

Outline：Recent progress of high-throughput research using in vivo imaging analysis and next-generation sequencers brought us an accumulation of large amount of data in biology. Thus, the integration of biochemical approaches with mathematical approaches is required. However, such an interdisciplinary research, essential to extract the patterns and mechanisms behind complex and dynamic biological phenomena from experimental data, has hardly penetrated the biochemical field. Therefore, we need to find a contacting point and to bridge the gap between reductionist approach in biochemistry and constructivist approach based on mathematical modeling. In this symposium, we will provide a future perspective for data-driven biochemical research by getting together experimental and mathematical researchers.

Outline：Animals have diversified their individual sizes (length and weight) while adapting to their habitat during evolution. Biologists have investigated the individual size control mechanism (scaling mechanism) in relation to function. However, individual size difference between mice and elephants, genetic and environmental factor-dependence, organ placement and interaction, and organ size control remain unclear. Under these circumstances, recent research environment has been created in which the full-scale elucidation of the scaling mechanism of individuals and organs can be started by using genome informatics, various omics and etc. In this symposium, we will introduce research on the forefront of scaling mechanism.

Outline：Numerous biochemical studies to date have shown that protein phosphorylation is crucial for intracellular signal transduction. Phosphorylation is also involved in brain functions such as synaptic plasticity and memory / learning in the nervous system. In addition, it has recently been shown that protein phosphorylation is involved in sleep homeostasis as well as circadian rhythm. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that phosphorylation is involved in mood states, and protein phosphorylation can be considered as an important step in determining the state of the brain. We would like to provide and discuss recent topics regarding changes in brain conditions affected by protein phosphorylation.

Outline：Nearly two centuries of biochemical history is also the history of "Enzyme" research. New discoveries and technological innovations have spawned various trends over time, but enzymes have always been at the center of biochemistry, from restriction enzymes and polymerases to CRISPR/Cas9. And enzymes are still the focus of attention. Even at the forefront of COVID-19 research, the viral receptor is the ACE2 enzyme, and various proteases play an important role in the invasion process. Here, we would like to refocus on the study of enzymes that have always fascinated many researchers. The speakers of this symposium are up-and-coming young researchers who will be responsible for future enzyme research. We will discuss about the future of enzymes from various viewpoints such as classical research, cutting-edge methods, and applications in industry.

Outline：Peoples have been exposed to the pandemic of infectious diseases many times. The worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 since last year has caused many deaths and great damage to social life. Pathogenic microorganisms utilize the cellular functions to infect, replicate, and parasitize in the host cells. Some bacteria are known to hijack the lipid synthesis and organelle dynamics to survive and parasitize in the cells. In addition, membrane fusion of organelle is involved in the initial process of viral infection. This symposium discusses recent progress of lipid metabolism and organelle dynamics during the processes in infectious diseases in order to understand the "infection and survival strategies" of microorganisms.

Outline：Glycans are considered a major component of the extracellular stroma. The functional importance of glycans in stromal-cellular interactions has been widely recognized through the analysis of various glycoproteins. However, the integrated function of glycans in the stromal-cellular network, which is defined as the sum of interactions, and their relationship to biological functions have not been fully understood. In this symposium, we will discuss the roles of glycan-dependent stromal-cellular networks and their biological functions by introducing representative glycan functions in stromal-cellular interactions.

Outline：This R&D area aims to clarify the relationship between structure andfunction based on evidence obtained from biochemical and structuralbiological approaches, to understand the molecular pathways that causevarious diseases, and to discover potential solutions for healthcare ormethods to maintain good health. The R&D is focused on understandingthe molecular basis of proteins during the processes that occur betweeninitial protein translation and synthesis to ultimate degradation, and willinvestigate denaturation, aggregation, and degradation processes that setproteins on a final, irreversible pathway, as well as posttranslationalmodifications that have irreversible effects on protein function. Targetdiseases include, but are not limited to, neurodegenerative disease, mentalhealth disorders, intractable cancers, chronic inflammatory diseases,amyloidosis, fibrosis, rare diseases, infectious diseases, and lifestylediseases like arteriosclerosis and diabetes, as well as insights into how toavoid aging and maintain a healthy state. As well as researchers involvedin the fields of proteins and glycans, we welcome participation by basicscience or clinical researchers in structural biology, immunity, metabolism,or nerve systems, as well as researchers from other fields, includinganalytical chemistry and bioinformatics. The goal is to make progress inworld-class, highly innovative research and development by bringingtogether and leveraging the strengths of a range of disciplines.

Outline：Steroid hormones are involved in the pathogenesis and therapy of various diseases. Even upon COVID-19 pandemic, steroid hormones are gathering attention through dexamethasone treatment, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers and risk, and the male susceptibility via induction of ACE2 expression by androgen. However, many problems on the application of steroid hormones in clinical practice, such as the side effects and molecular mechanisms of their actions remain to be resolved. In this session, we would like to discuss the current status and issues of steroid hormone research for resolving such problems. The topics for presentation by young researchers are focused on the glucocorticoid (Yamazaki), androgen (Haraguchi and Susa) and the RAAS (Asada and Nagata). We hope this workshop will provide an opportunity to propose the future direction of steroid hormone research from Before Corona toward After Disease.

Outline：Free divalent iron-mediated (Fenton reaction mediated) lipid oxidation-dependent cell death caused by anticancer drugs, first is named as Ferroptosis in 2012. Ferroptosis is one of the hottest research areas of caspase-independent non-apoptotic pathway of cell death. In the last 10 years, the identification of its regulator and its role in pathological conditions have been reported one after another. GPx4 (phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase), which is a suppressor of phospholipid oxidation, is a most important regulator of ferroptosis. On the other hand, recently novel evidences that disruption of GPx4 gene alone induces cell death different from ferroptosis and peroxidation of phospholipid causes neutrophil extracellular trap induction mechanism (Netosis), and the new molecular mechanism of necrosis induced by oxidative stress were reported. These results means that different site of phospholipid peroxidation in cell organelle may induce different cell death signaling. In this symposium, we will discuss about the new molecular mechanism of ferroptosis, its role in cardiovascular disease, and the forefront of various cell death researches caused by phospholipid oxidation.

Outline：Stress response mechanisms play key roles in the organismal survival in the context of Darwinian evolution by directly responding and governing the adaptation to the changing environments. On the other hand, stress response mechanisms are important to understand pathology of human diseases and also are the plausible therapeutic targets of various diseases. Stress response mechanisms work by communicating between constituents at the various levels from cells to the organism. Furthermore, stress response genes are reported to regulate cell differentiation and cell cycles enabling the cross talk between stress response mechanisms and various cellular functions. In this symposium, we discuss organismal survival strategies by focusing and discussing on endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial stress, oxidative stress, nuclear pore stress and ribosome mediated stress response. Also, we will discuss the health promotion of men by enhancing each stress response.

Outline：Biochemistry has contributed to toxicology in progress. The mechanism of chemical carcinogens has been successfully revealed, resulting in health risk assessment. However, it has been unknown to evaluate the physical factors such as nanomaterials and harmful energy. In this symposium, we approach to this issue on the basis of quantum biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, and physics、hopefully to establish biochemistry of the toxic energy.

Outline：With the rapid development of life science-related fields based on biochemistry and molecular biology, the diversification of modalities (analytical tools) and their effective utilization have been often discussed in recent years. In order to maintain homeostasis in the heart and blood vessels, it is important for various cells to exert their originality and diversity and thereby regulate their functions properly. Therefore, multilayered approaches are essential to comprehensively understand cardiovascular homeostasis. In this session, we will invite researchers who are promoting research in cardiovascular homeostasis by utilizing unique modalities, and provide the latest topics on the use of analytical methods based on Single cell analysis, Fluorescence live-imaging, Microdevices and 3D-tissue Imaging. This session also aims to discuss from various viewpoints with the audience, and we hope that it will lead to the next cutting-edge research and analysis methods.

Outline：Nutritional environment exerts profound influence on biological processes such as development and homeostasis. In addition, growing evidences have revealed that nutrients and their metabolites specifically regulate cellular signaling and/or gene expression. Thus, the importance of the role of these food-derived molecules in biological regulation and their potential as therapeutic agents attract much attention in diverse research areas. In this symposium, the speakers will cover diverse biological processes (development, metabolic disorders etc.) and diverse modes of action (signaling, metabolome, transcription, epigenome etc.) in diverse model organisms (mouse, Xenopus, Drosophila etc.). We will discuss on the instructive roles of nutrients/metabolites in accurate and flexible biological regulation.

Outline：It has recently become evident that neuroinflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Therefore, it is expected to improve the pathological conditions of these diseases by controlling glial cells such as microglia and astrocytes involved in the induction of neuroinflammation. The inflammatory responses of glial cells play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis of the CNS, in which activated glial cells contribute to tissue repair and infection defense through their various functions. Accumulating evidence suggests that disorganized glial responses lead to the development of neuroinflammatory pathologies. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest findings by up-and-coming young scientists studying glial cell functions involved in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases.

Outline：Recently, it has become clear that biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids form droplets that are separated from surrounding environment via liquid-liquid phase separation to facilitate their specific functions. Various known biological phenomena are being revisited by considering the regulation via phase separation. Many questions such as "how do the multiple metabolic enzymes present in the cell efficiently carry out continuous reactions without confusion?" will be explained from the viewpoint of phase separation. In this symposium, active researchers in the field of metabolon, G-body, and channeling will give lectures. We would like to discuss enzyme functions from a new perspective, including the concept of phase separation to open up a new era of enzyme research.