Itaru Hamachi（Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University）
Shinsuke Sando（Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo）
Naoya Ieda（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University）
Hiroyoshi Fujioka（School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Insitute of Technology）
Masayasu Taki（Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University）

The essence of life lies in the fact that specific biochemical reactions are precisely realized in a spatio-temporal manner in cells where a wide variety of molecules are mixed in a crowding environment. Furthermore, in higher animals, the above reactions are realized in an in vivo environment in which a wide variety of cells are co-existed. In order to carry out research that approaches the essence of life, it is extremely important to develop new scientific technologies, especially those based on "chemistry" that can be applied in vivo. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest technologies and results from top researchers in chemistry who are developing in vivo visualization and perturbation technologies in chemical biology and achieving world-leading results. At the same time, the symposium aims to provide an opportunity to discuss the chemical background and ideas on how to realize the target functions in vivo with high spatio-temporal resolution, and to initiate cross-disciplinary discussions that will lead to the development of the next generation tools.

Hirokazu Yagi（Nagoya City University）
Yasuhiko Kizuka（Gifu University）
Eiji Morita（Hirosaki University）
Mitsunori Fukuda（Tohoku University）
Tsukasa Okiyoneda（Kwansei Gakuin University）
Takashi Ueda（National Institute for Basic Biology）

Over a third of proteins are transported to various destinations through the secretory pathway, which involves ER and Golgi apparatus. During this transport, proteins undergo various post-translational modifications, leading to functional diversity. In addition to the classical transport system, recent studies have revealed novel systems, such as extracellular vesicles (e.g. exosomes) and virus replication organelles, showing that protein transport in the pathway is more complicated than previously believed. Moreover, novel glycosylation systems and new relationship between transport and modification have been unveiled. This symposium brings together leading scientists in this field to discuss new mechanisms for protein transport and modifications.

Kazuhiro Abe（Nagoya University Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute）
Umeharu Ohto（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo）
Panpan Zhang（Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University）
Takaaki Miyaji（Okayama University Advanced Science Research Center）
Yoshihide Yamanashi（The University of Tokyo Hospital）

The focus of this symposium will be to understand the mechanisms of action and physiological impacts of membrane transporters. Since the cellular membrane is one of the most fundamental organs, membrane transport of various substances mediated by transporters is a key to life. To achieve further progress in this research field, a deeper understanding of interactions between transporters and their substrates as well as the environment where they function is required. For this purpose, we plan to invite five speakers who have studied transporters from various fields including Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Animal Physiology. The discussions based on the talks will provide new directions for transporter research.

Hiroshi Takagi（Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology）
Dairi Tohru（Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University,）
Saori Kosono（Graduate School of Agriculture and life sciences, The University of Tokyo）
Haruyuki Atomi（Graduate School of Engineering）
Yoshizumi Ishino（Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University）

In recent years, biochemistry has seen a rapid increase in research using humans and higher eukaryotes as materials, and the analysis of higher-order functions has progressed and attracted attention. However, research on microorganisms, which has supported the development of biochemistry and molecular biology, is also still actively progressing. Novel life phenomena have been discovered one after another using microorganisms as materials, and based on such basic research, the development of technologies using unique enzymes possessed by microorganisms has brought tremendous benefits to human life. In this symposium, Japanese microbial biochemists, who are currently leading the world in their respective fields, will gather to discuss the basic science of elucidating the unknown reactions occurring in the cells of bacteria, archaea, and yeast, and their applications to genome editing, drug production, and fermentation and brewing. The presentations will introduce their original research results on the basic science occurring in cells and applications using these reactions, as well as the trends and future prospects in these fields.

Ryuma Shineha（Osaka University）
Amane Koizumi（National Institute of Natural Sciences）
Noriko Osumi（Tohoku University）

The concept of Research Ethics has been increasingly recognized by researchers through the activity of faculty development and e-learning, which was encouraged by the MEXT and the funding agency, whereas the frequency of research misconduct seems unchanged. Because research misconduct might be no point for the researchers who could pursue their own goals under ideal circumstances, the research environment should greatly affect the attitude of researchers. When the research metrics are emphasized in a competitive environment, some researchers will try to hack such indices through research misconduct and questionable research practice. We will report the survey findings of the JST-RISTEX project “Establishment of the Guidelines for the Common Understanding of Research Integrity in Life Science" and have two speakers who are experts in the field of research assessment and research integrity. The speakers and panelists will discuss the assessment and integrity in the research activity.

Hiroaki Miki（Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University）
Nobuaki Takahashi（Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University）
Masatsugu Oh-hora（Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University School of Medicine）
Noriko Toyama-Sorimachi（Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo）
Osamu Nagano（Division of Gene Regulation, Cancer Center, Fujita Health University）

The plasma membrane functions as a barrier against many biomolecules, thereby separating the cell as a basic unit of life from the outside world. Channels & transporters are critical to maintain homeostasis of the intracellular environment by recognizing specific ions and hydrophilic substances and allowing them to permeate the plasma membrane. It has become clear that such a molecular transport system can also stimulate the signal transduction to coordinately regulate cellular functions. Moreover, as is the case in various ligand receptors, channels & transporters are present on the cell surface and can be targets of biological agents such as antibodies, attracting strong attention from the viewpoint of drug discovery. In this symposium, we will introduce our unique research works that have revealed the roles of channels & transporters in the regulation of cellular functions at higher levels, such as oncogenesis and immune responses, based on the basic functional analysis of channel & transporters that pass amino acids and metal ions. We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the exchange of biological substances that make up the cell.

Fumiki KATSUOKA（Tohoku University Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization）
Atsushi Shimizu（Iwate Medical University）
Manabu Fujie（Sequencing Section, Research Support Division, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University）
Daisuke Motooka（Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University）
Yoichi Mizukami（Institute of Gene Research Yamaguchi University Science Research Center）
Takuro Horii（Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University）

The next-generation sequencer (NGS) performance has been markedly improved since the NGS was released in 2005. In addition, identification of reference sequences in various species and the development of analytical applications accelerate the use of NGS across multiple research fields. NGS can be analyzed large amounts of samples, the analysis of which leads to a reduction of costs. The core facility facilities that analyze large quantities of DNA are essential for the acceleration of the genome research.In this symposium, we will introduce various research using the NGS core facility facilities and guide you on how to use the core facility facilities.

Michiko Shirane（Nagoya City University）
Yasushi Tamura（Yamagata University）
Nozomu Kono（The University of Tokyo）
Taki Nishimura（The University of Tokyo）
Fubito Nakatsu（Niigata University）
Tomonori Tamura（Kyoto University）

Organelles are dynamic structures, and their morphology, property, and abundance change drastically depending on the needs of the cells. Although the mechanisms underlying organelle morphogenesis have been well understood, those underlying changes in quality and quantity of organelles in response to cellular needs have been little studied. To elucidate such mechanisms, it is essential to focus on the organelle membrane lipids in addition to the organelle regulatory proteins. In this session, we will discuss the latest findings on the functions and mechanisms of organelle contact sites, regulation of organelle dynamics, and physiological functions in cells and individuals mediated by such organelle dynamics from the perspective of the lipid life cycle including synthesis, transport and degradation of organelle membrane lipids. We also discuss a novel technology for organelle-specific lipid analysis. With these topics, we would like to discuss the future of organelle research.

Akimitsu Konishi（Gunma University）
Takashi Nakagawa（Toyama University）
Shuhei Nakamura（Osaka University）
Akiko Takahashi（Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research）
Makoto Nakanishi（The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo）

Since the Hayflick limit was proposed about 60 years ago, many researchers have been interested in the regulatory mechanisms of cellular senescence, the relationship between cellular senescence and individual aging, and the relationship between cellular senescence and cell canceration. In this symposium, we'll focus mainly on the regulation of cellular senescence by metabolism. We look forward to a lively discussion.

Taiki Baba（Department of Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University）
Satoko Arakawa（Research Core, Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Daisuke Koga（Department of Microscopic Anatomy and Cell Biology, Asahikawa Medical University）
Yusuke Hirabayashi（Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo）
Tatsuhisa Tsuboi（Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School）
Masashi Tachikawa（School of science/Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University）

Much knowledge has been gained about the quality of various cellular organelles. However, recent technological advancements have made it possible to quantify the number, size, and distribution of organelles, providing important insights into cellular functions and quality. This information can be used to understand various life phenomena, such as cell differentiation, cell growth and division, cell signaling, and diseases. For instance, measuring the quantity of mitochondria can give us information about energy metabolism and cellular aging, while quantifying the endoplasmic reticulum can help study protein folding and the processing of carbohydrates and lipids. The analysis of Golgi apparatus can reveal information about processing of proteins and lipids, as well as their transport to other cellular compartments or secretion. In addition, organelle quantification is a valuable tool in many areas of biological research, including developmental biology, neuroscience, and cancer research, to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in various life phenomena. In this symposium, we invite young researchers who develop and take advantage of cutting-edge methodologies for organelle quantification using electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, deep learning, mathematical modeling, and others and discuss the future directions of organelle research.

Osamu Takeuchi（Kyoto University）
Hitoshi Okazawa（Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Akio Masuda（Nagoya University）
Josephine Galipon（Keio University）
Akinobu Matsumoto（Kyushu University）
Akihide Takeuchi（Ehime University）

Accelerated by recent technical progresses in analytical chemistry and omics-based approaches, we start to realize that RNAs have much more diverse roles and functions than we have originally thought. To name a few, RNA binding proteins, lncRNAs, RNA editing and modifications regulate gene expression, translation, subcellular structure, immune response and neurogenesis. Much remains to be uncovered, however, how RNAs and their associated factors can exert such diverse functions in cellular times and spaces. Identifying specific molecular mechanisms will allow us to better understand how our cells perform in organismal times and spaces. In this session, we invite investigators doing cutting-edge research on RNAs and discuss new findings that will help broaden our horizons.

Hiroshi Iwasaki（Cell Biology Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology ）
Miki Shinohara（Dept of Advanced Bioscience, Grad Schl of Agriculture, ATIRI, Kindai University）
Asako Furukohri（Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University）
Sasaki Mariko（The University of Tokyo, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences）
Tatsuro Takahashi（Faculty of Science, Kyushu University）

The DNA double-strand break (DSB) is a potentially lethal lesion that causes chromosome discontinuity. Inaccurate repair of DSBs results in pathological genome rearrangements frequently seen in cancer cells. On the other hand, regulated introduction and repair of DSBs are vital for programmed genome rearrangements that ensure genetic diversity during miosis. The maintenance of ribosomal DNA copy numbers also requires DSBs, highlighting their importance in genome stability. These processes rely on elaborate systems that respond to DSBs in the right place at the right time. However, many outstanding questions remain in the molecular mechanisms, pathway choice, and fidelity control of such systems. This symposium focuses on exploring the mechanisms and regulation of DSB repair, bringing the latest research to a broad audience.

Shigeru Yanagi（Gakushuin University）
Nobutaka Hattori（Juntendo University）
Takeshi Uchiumi（Kyushu University）
Kazuhito Goyoh（Tokai University）

Mitochondria is well known as a power plant for aerobic ATP production within cells. Dysfunctions of mitochondria lead to intracellular energy failure followed by malfunction and even death of cells. However, recently mitochondria have attracted interests as a multifunctional organelle. Its dysfunctions are deeply involved in many so-called common diseases other than hereditary mitochondria neuromyopathies, historically well known mitochondrial diseases. In this symposium, we focus on the roles of mitochondria in pathogenesis of common diseases.

Toshio Shibata（Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University）
Kayo Sugitani（Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University）
Yuko Watanabe（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University）
Kiyotaka Hitomi（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University）
Noriho Kamiya（Division of Biotechnology, Center for Future Chemistry and Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University）

Transglutaminase (TGase), an enzyme that cross-links Lys and Gln side chains of proteins, exists universally in living organisms. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest surprising functions and findings of TGases obtained from comparative biological studies using various model organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals, as well as the future applications of TGases.

Takeshi Terabayashi（Oita University）
Yuki Fujii（Kyushu University）
Takeo Saneyoshi（Kyoto University）
Takehiko Ueyama（Kobe University）
Ryu Takeya（University of Miyazaki）

Actin is one of the most basic building blocks of cells and performs various functions by spontaneously changing its polymeric structure. Disruption of its regulatory mechanisms leads to a wide variety of abnormalities and diseases in various aspects of biological systems. Although the behavior of actin molecules has been elucidated mainly in vitro, how they actually function in cells and in vivo, leading to the expression of cellular functions and individual systems, remains largely unresolved. In this symposium, we will cover a wide range of life phenomena involving the actin cytoskeleton and present the latest findings at various levels of hierarchy from the molecular to the disease level, including understanding from new perspectives. Based on the results of these studies, we expect to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles underlying the multifaceted and universal nature of the actin cytoskeleton in biological systems.

Kota Noritsugu（School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences）
Atsushi Morimoto（Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University）
Koji Uchida（Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo）

Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, methylation, and acetylation of protein amino acid residues are known to increase the diversity of proteomics. In cells, the formation of such protein adducts is strictly regulated by the enzymes that remove them. On the other hand, it has also been reported that xenobiotic chemicals are able to modify proteins as well, but it is not well understood what is going on in the body after the unexpected modification of cellular proteins. A subcommittee entitled “Adduct Science" was established last year. In this symposium, we would like to introduce the academic background leading up to establishment of such a subcommittee, and discuss the creation of new research fields.

Yukiko Yoshida（Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）
Yoo Sa Kan（RIKEN）
Satoshi Ninagawa（Biosignal Research Center KOBE University）
Yoichiro Harada（Department of Glyco-Oncology and Medical Biochemistry, Osaka International Cancer Institute）
Hiroto Hirayama（Suzuki-Project, T-CiRA program, Glycometabolic Biochemistry Laboratory,RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN）

Metabolism is one of the best examples of a biological phenomenon that cannot be predicted from genomic information alone, and there are a fairly large number of metabolic pathways that cannot be explained by existing concepts. Moreover, there are many metabolic pathways that have not yet received attention because their biological importance is unknown. In this symposium that focuses on protein glycosylation, we will invite up-and-coming researchers across disciplines and discuss the latest findings on unconventional principle of metabolism and its importance, which was revealed by tackling unsolved problems in the research fields of monosaccharides, nucleic acids, glycans and proteins.

Misuzu Seo（Kyoto Sangyo University）
Tateki Kubo（Osaka University）
Hironori Katoh（Osaka Metropolitan University）
Akio Shimizu（Shiga University of Medical Science）
Shingo Koinuma（Tokyo University of Science）

Small GTPases consist of over 150 molecules and are classified into five subfamilies. The members of the Rho subfamily mainly regulate F-actin arrangement and are fundamentally involved in diverse and important cellular functions including cytoskeletal organization, cell migration, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Recent studies have further revealed the novel functions of the small GTPases and its related signaling molecules, which are critically associated with biological processes and diseases. Rho subfamily small GTPases are attractive targets for life science researches, and the studies on them are currently active and vigorous. In this symposium, we present recent achievements in the research field of the Rho subfamily GTPases signaling. To improve and share the cutting-edge knowledge in the field, we discuss the achievements from the multiple viewpoints.

Yasufumi Shigeyoshi（Fac. Med., Kinki University）
Gen Kurosawa（ Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program, RIKEN）
Hiroyuki Kubota（Med. Inst. of Bioreg., Kyushu University）
Shinsuke Uda（Med. Inst. of Bioreg., Kyushu University）
Yuichi Wakamoto（Grad. Sch. Arts & Sci., University of Tokyo）
Rika Numano（EIIRIS, Toyohashi University of Technology）
Yoshifumi Takahata（Grad. Sch. Dentistry, Osaka University）
Koichiro Uriu（Dept. Nat. Sci. & Tech., Kanazawa University）

Life sciences have developed primarily as experimental sciences until recently, and seem to be attacked by mathematics and other theoretical sciences at present. The situation is quite similar to that when biochemistry and molecular biology with a resolution at the molecular level have emerged a generation ago. However, the molecule-based life sciences have already occupied an unshakable position. The integration of experiment and theory in life sciences should be a natural progression one era down the road. In this symposium, we have asked people who are working on the same research theme but with separate experimental and mathematical methods, to give lectures from their own standpoints. In this short symposium, we would like to deepen the discussion on the results that could not be achieved by each method alone but only by cooperation, and on the various factors and their solutions that hindered the cooperation.

Katsumi Maenaka（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido Univeristy）
Junichi Takagi（Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University）
Makoto Nakakido（Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo）
Ryutaro Asano（Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology）
Tomoyuki Igawa（CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.）

A bispecific antibody, Emicizumab, is an epockmaking biotherapeutics for the treatment of hemophilia A. The antibody elucidated the biofunction of Factor VIII, which interacts with Factor IXa and Factor X, suggesting that there are inevitable multivalent interactions in our body. Using antibody analogues with multivalent interaction sites, the drug discovery and the understanding of protein function in life science are advancing. Moreover, the understanding of protein functions in life science are also advancing by focus on “multivalent interactions". In this symposium, through several topics focused on “multivalent interactions", we will know the new horizon on biochemistry and/or drug discovery researches.

Yasunao Kamikawa（Hiroshima University）
Yuta Shimamoto（National Institute of Genetics）
Shingo Kose（RIKEN）
Yasuhiro Hirano（Osaka University）
Eiji Wada（Tokyo Medical University）

The nuclear envelope (NE), as an excellent model for studying the dynamics of an organelle during cell cycle, has fascinated many researchers. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that the NE is frequently damaged and even ruptured by several cellular stresses, such as mechanical stress upon constriction during cell migration. The response to structural and/or functional abnormalities in the NE, including repair of ruptured NE, and its relevance in vivo have been gathering great attention. Indeed, emerging evidence has revealed the links between dysfunctions of the NE and a broad spectrum of disorders including cancer, myopathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this symposium, we will discuss the latest research for the underlying mechanism of maintaining homeostasis of NE and the impact of its collapse, using divergent approaches including biochemical, pathophysiological, and biophysical perspectives.

Toru Ishitani（Osaka University）
Toshikatsu Hanada（Oita University）
Soken Tsuchiya（Kumamoto University）
Kataaki Ohkubo（University of Tokyo）
Yoshihiro Yoshihara（RIKEN）

Small fish species such as zebrafish and medaka are bioresources suitable for in vivo high-throughput screening (HTS) and live imaging analyses, systems biology such as organ development, cell competition, neural circuits and behavioral cognition, and individual-based systemic studies such as development and aging. In this symposium, we will introduce outstanding studies that have taken advantage of these strengths of fish to reveal the roles of inter-individual transmission molecules and intercellular mediators, as well as the molecular mechanisms of intracellular signaling, focusing on sexual behavior, olfactory perception, organogenesis, or the pathogenesis of cancer, aging, and human genetic diseases. We would like to provide an opportunity to learn a new trend in biochemical research led by fish by experiencing the real excitement of research in which breakthroughs were made possible only by using fish.

Masuda Takahiro（Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University ）
Takashi Saito（Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University）
Takahiro Kato（Department of Neuropsychiatry Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University）
Michiko Sekiya（National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology ）
Masataka Kikuchi（Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo）

Single-cell analyses have revealed the molecular identity and heterogeneity of individual cells in various tissues. The brain is composed of different kinds of neuronal, glial and vascular cells, which cooperate to maintain brain homeostasis and higher order functions. Recent studies have shown that transcriptional profiles of microglia and astrocytes are different among brain regions and there are specialized macrophages in the brain boundary region. Moreover, dynamic changes in the status of glial cells are causally involved in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. In this symposium, we will present the latest findings and translational approaches in this field and discuss future perspectives for therapeutic strategy aiming for transformation of glial cells in diseased brains.

Jean-Francois Cote（Montreal Clinical Research Institute）
Mutsuko Kukimoto-Niino（RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research）
Kazufumi Kunimura（Kyushu University, Medical Institute of Bioregulation）
Kazuhiko Namekata（Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）
Junji Yamauchi（Tokyo University of Pharmacy & Life Science）

Rho family G-proteins including Rac and Cdc42 play central roles in the regulation of cellular functions through cytoskeletal reorganization. In the early 2000s, DOCK family proteins were identified as atypical guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which catalyze the GDP/GTP exchange reaction, whose structure differs from the previously known DH-PH domains. Since then, studies from multiple groups worldwide have revealed that DOCK family proteins play major roles in diverse cellular and physiological functions through Rho family-mediated signaling pathways. In addition, mutations in several DOCK family genes are shown to cause human diseases. This session aims to provide an opportunity to discuss DOCK family-related biology from diverse perspectives and specialties.

Noriyuki Murai（The Jikei University School of Medicine）
Kenji Chamoto（Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University）
Shin Kurihara（Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University）
Masahiro Sugimoto（Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University）
Tomoyoshi Soga（Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University）

Polyamines such as spermine, spermidine, and their N-acetylated forms are positively charged and bind to DNA and RNA and thus involve in various biological processes such as transcription and translation, cell proliferation, membrane stabilization, and organ development. In various cancers, abnormalities in polyamine metabolism are frequently observed, indicating that elevated polyamine levels are required for transformation and tumor progression, and polyamines have attracted attention not only as targets for anticancer drugs but also as diagnostic tools. On the other hand, spermidine is decreased in aging mice, and supplementation of spermidine has been shown to have a restorative effect and prolong lifespan. Recent studies have also revealed that spermidine directly affects T cell function. In this symposium, we will invite researchers who are conducting cutting-edge polyamine research and technology development to present their latest research.

Seiichi Nagano（Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine）
Ayako Fukunaka（Institute for Molecular & Cellular Regulation, Gunma University）
Kotoko Arisawa（Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences）
Gi-Wook Hwang（Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University）
Takayoshi Suganami（Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University）

Many metallic elements interact with proteins and other biological substances to regulate their structures and functions, thereby influencing various biological phenomena. Therefore, quantitative and qualitative changes in the dynamics of metal elements can lead to the inability to maintain these biological phenomena and, in some cases, to pathological conditions.In this symposium, up-and-coming researchers will present the latest findings on the mechanisms by which disruptions in the dynamics of metals such as iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and mercury lead to the development of various diseases. At the same time, we would like to discuss its application to drug discovery and consider the significance of metal metabolism in living organisms from a new perspective.

Kenichi Asano（Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences）
Masashi Kanayama（Department of Biodefene Research, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Takuji Suzuki（Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University）
Yuki Hattori（Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology）
Takashi Sato（Department of Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Medicine,Tokyo Medical and Dental University）

Macrophages were discovered by Ilya Mechnikov in the late 19th century as phagocytic cells that engulf bacteria and other foreign substances. In a series of studies, Mechnikov had already suggested that macrophages contribute to wound healing, development, and aging in addition to biological defense through phagocytosis, but it is becoming increasingly clear that macrophages have a truly diverse range of functions and play important roles in the various physiological and pathological processes. In this symposium, we will present the latest research results on the function and differentiation mechanisms of myeloid cells, including macrophages, in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, age-related diseases, cancer, and neurological diseases, and discuss their physiological and pathophysiological significance.

Ken Ishii（Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo）
Toru Okamoto（Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University）
Yoshihiro Kawaoka（Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo）
Kei Sato（Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo）
Takao Hashiguchi（Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University）
Takasuke Fukuhara（Hokkaido University）

Three years have passed since the pandemic of COVID-19 began, and movements toward resuming social activities with the novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) are progressing. Since the Wuhan strain emerged in 2019, the virus has repeatedly mutated and evolved rapidly, resulting in significant changes in infectivity and pathogenicity. In addition, the mechanism of the host response to the virus infection in the onset and exacerbation of COVID-19 has been gradually elucidated. Furthermore, mRNA vaccines have been developed and have played a certain role in preventing infection, and at the same time, the development of therapeutic agents has progressed. In this symposium, we will provide an overview of how host responses and pathogenicity have changed as viruses evolve in pandemics, such as mutation and immune escape, and how research and development of vaccines and therapeutic drugs have progressed. We would like to take this opportunity to discuss the challenges of COVID-19 now and in future.

Akira Kikuchi（Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University）
Akihiko Nakano（RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics）
Ikuko Hara-Nishimura（Nara National Institute of Higher Education and Research）
Shigekazu Nagata（Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University）

The elucidation of the mechanism for controlling cellular functions through the interactions among molecules and enzyme reactions, as well as the maintenance of homeostasis between organs, is essential for understanding both normal and abnormal life processes. The JBS researchers have made significant contributions to these studies. In particular, the senior researchers who have been conducting research for many years have experienced a lot throughout their career. On the other hand, those seniors also had their younger days and may have experienced failures. Although research methods and approaches are changing in the era of significant progress in life science technology, the fun of research and the way of facing research would not have changed. In this symposium, the JBS senior members will introduce their own "biochemical" research with many experiences. Please receive their message.

Yukio Fujiki（Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo）
Kazuhiro Nagata（JT Biohistory Research Hall）
Koreaki Ito（Kyoto Sangyo University）
Masasuke Yoshida（JT Biohistory Research Hall）
Yoshinori Ohsumi（Tokyo Institute of Technology）

By addressing the funs and excitements of biochemistry in several recent-decades history, we are confident to encourage and stimulate the mindset of young generations.

Yasuhide Miyamoto（Osaka International Cancer Institute）
Shunji Natsuka（Niigata University）
Chihiro Sato（Nagoya University）
Hiroshi Manya（Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology）
Hideyuki Takeuchi（University of Shizuoka）

Progress on Glycobiology for the last three decades have been truly explosive, and we tend to believe that we now know most, if not all, of the “major glycan structures" in vertebrate. On the other hand, we may have become less sensitive to the “unclarified glycan structures" as we know more. Indeed, these days many “glycan structure analyses" actually turn into the task of assigning “known structures" to the detected signals, and accordingly, we may have ignored things which cannot be explained well with our current knowledge. This kind of attitude may end up with missing many important information, despite the fact that our analytical techniques have been improved significantly. In this symposium, we have invited speakers who keep a unique point of view, scrutinizing “unusual, rare glycans". We hope that we could have an in-depth discussion on “glycocode" - a true meaning of diverse glycans including “minor" ones -.

Kazuhiro Aoki（Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems & National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences）
Fumiko Toyoshima（Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University ）
Koji Okamoto（Teikyo University）
Katsumasa Fujita（Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University）
Akiyuki Nishimura（National Institute for Physiological Sciences & Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences）

With recent progress in omics and imaging technologies at the single cell level and in computer science, comprehensive and quantitative analysis of cells and biomolecules is becoming possible. This will lead to changes in life sciences methodologies in research that focuses on individual genes and molecules and in more complex analyses, such as targeting changes in many genes and molecules in single cells. However, there are many technological bottlenecks in the spatiotemporal analysis of cells and molecules, and in the three-dimensional analysis of tissues and organisms. In this symposium, we would like to introduce the unique and innovative techniques possessed by professors who are promoting research aimed at understanding spatiotemporal interactions among multicellular organisms, and discuss current issues and future prospects.

Motoi Kanagawa（Ehime University）
Kenji Kadomatsu（Institute for Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University）
Rebeca Kawahara（Institute for Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University）
Morihisa Fujita （Gufu University）
Yusuke Matsui（Institute for Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University）
Kiyoko Aoki-Kinoshita（Soka University）

Glycans are the third fundamental biopolymers after polynucleotides and proteins as the first and second biopolymers. Most glycans extracellularly exist, displaying cell type-specific structures on their surface. They play pivotal roles in mediating cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communications, and impairments of glycan structures bring about various diseases. Investigation of glycans is thus believed to be important; on the other hand, it is often neglected because of the diversity and complexity of glycan structures as well as distinct biosynthetic mechanism from other biopolymers. Recently, advances in analytical method of glycan structures and accumulation of glycan-related genetic and proteomic data have enabled us to perform integrated study of biology, through which a comprehensive life science taking glycans into account has newly emerged. This symposium will give you a depth of glycans' involvement in human disease, and new breath of science infused by glycan-related information.

Kazuya Iwamoto（Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University）
Motoko Maekawa（Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University）
Aya Ishida（RIKEN Center for Brain Science）
Hideyuki Nakashima（Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University）
Tomoyuki Furuyashiki（Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University）

Function of organism is determined by which genes are expressed and to what extent in the cells that make up the organism. Epigenetics through DNA and histone modifications is known as a mechanism to control gene expression without DNA sequence alteration. It has also become clear that these epigenetic genomic modification states vary depending on the environment surrounding cells and individuals: prenatal exposure to drugs that induce autism and schizophrenia, maternal infection, and stress that induces depression can alter epigenomic states. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that these epigenomic changes induce changes in the expression of specific genes and are deeply involved in the development of psychiatric and neurological disorders. In this symposium, we will discuss how these epigenomic changes lead to disease onset, introduce novel approaches to ameliorate these conditions, and discuss future directions.

Satoshi Goto（Rikkyo University）
Yasufumi Takahashi（Nagoya University）
Mikiko Sodeoka（RIKEN）
Hiroshi KItagawa（Kobe Pharmaceutical University）
Shinya Honda（Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Hajime Sakurai（University of Hyogo）

Folding of secretory and membrane proteins is completed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas various post-translational modifications such as glycosylation are performed in the Golgi apparatus, resulting in the maturation of those proteins. It is well known that the protein quality control (the ER stress response) in the ER is mediated by both folding by ER chaperones and degradation by ERAD. On the other hand, protein quality control in the Golgi apparatus (the Golgi stress response) is thought to be mediated by both glycosylation by glycosyltransferases and degradation by GOMED, and new microscopy techniques are crucial to elucidate the molecular mechanism. In this symposium, experts in GOMED, glycobiology, the Golgi stress response, Raman microscopy, and scanning ion conductance microscopy will come together to solve the important problem of protein quality control mechanisms in the Golgi apparatus.

Kanae Ando（Tokyo Metropolitan University Graduate School of Science）
Makoto Michikawa（The Nippon Dental University）
Satoru Funamoto（Doshisha University Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences）
Toshiharu Suzuki（Hokkaido University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences）

Dementia control is an urgent social issue in developed countries with aging populations. Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for about 70% of the estimated more than 5 million cases of dementia in Japan. So far, causative genes (APP, PSEN) for familial AD and risk factors (apoE ε4, etc.) have been identified, and it has been understood that the onset of AD is triggered by soluble neurotoxic oligomers of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) generated from amyloid precursor protein (APP). The process of neuronal impairment involves abnormalities in tau forming neurofibrillary tangles, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the brain, and risk factors exacerbate this process, leading to cognitive dysfunction and neuronal cell death. However, the details of the pathogenesis of AD, including the mechanism linking Aβ and tau, are still largely unknown, and no treatments or disease-modifying drugs based on the pathogenesis have been put to practical use. In this symposium, researchers who have long been engaged in elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of AD will report the results of their efforts to reveal the molecular mechanism of AD and to develop original disease-modifying drugs based on these mechanisms and discuss the possibilities and problems in the development of novel treatments.

Hiderou Yoshida（University of Hyogo）
Masaki Matsumoto（Niigata University）
Shin Mizukami（Tohoku University）
Ryo Ushioda（Kyoto Sangyo University）
Masayuki Oginuma（Osaka University）
Kenji Inaba（Tohoku University）

Cells have developed elaborate systems for the maintenance of protein homeostasis. To date, many scientists have been working on the cellular systems by focusing upon molecular chaperones and protein degradation enzymes. However, given that the chemical parameters such as redox, pH, and metal ions considerably influence protein structure and function, we need to pay more attention to cellular systems that regulate the chemical environment with surprisingly high accuracy. In this symposium, 6 scientists who have been developing cutting-edge live-cell imaging methodologies for quantitative visualization of the intracellular chemical parameters or making global and/or in-depth analyses of how perturbations of the intracellular chemical parameters affect protein biosynthesis and quality control will talk about their latest topics of study. Thus, we aim to launch a new field of life science named “chemical proteostasis".

Norio Suzuki（New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University）
Keizo Nishikawa（Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University）
Norihiko Takeda（Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University）
Hitoshi Shiku（ Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University）
Hiroshi Harada（Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University）

Recent studies have accumulated knowledge of the multidimensional roles of the cellular response to hypoxia in physiology and pathology, which are strictly regulated by various molecular pathways, including the HIF pathway. However, matters for debate remain regarding the integrities of analytical methods used for studies on hypoxia biology. For instance, the accuracy of oxygen measurements in animal tissues and the precision of in vivo/in vitro models of hypoxia need reconsideration. We will describe the current problems and propose solutions for analyses of the hypoxia signaling pathways. Additionally, the latest techniques related to on-chip reconstitution of hypoxic organs and single-cell analyses of hypoxic cells will be introduced.

Takashi Minami（Kumamoto University）
Haruko Watanabe T（Institute of Advanced Medical Science, Nippon Medical School）
Akiyasu Iwase（Dept. Medicine, The University of Tokyo）
Daisuke Yasuda（Dept. Medicine, Akita University）
Moe Fukumoto（National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Hospita）

The closed vascular network system is not only a tube that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body but also plays an essential lifeline that carries immune cells, builds inter-organ networks, and regulates various tissue formations keeping the correct function. Endothelial cells, the inner layer of blood vessels, is mainly regulated by cytokines such as VEGF that control endothelial differentiation and proliferation and indicate heterogeneity responding to the microenvironment of each organ surrounding tissues mediated intercellular networks. However, it needs further elucidation to uncover the system for dynamic genomic/ epigenomic regulation and detailed cell-cell interactions specific to the organ microenvironment. In this symposium, we would like to discuss "vascular biology" from a biochemical viewpoint, with lectures focusing on the systems in 1) cytokines or lipid signals mediated epigenetic gene regulations and 2) vascular formation and the maturation in the organ-specific microenvironments.

Fumiyo Ikeda （Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University）
Yuya Asanomi（Medical Genome Center, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology）
Yuri Shibata （Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research）
Fuminori Tokunaga （Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University）
Kazuhiro Iwai （Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University）

Ubiquitin has been studied in close association with protein degradation. However, it is now known as a reversible post-translational modification system that regulates protein function in a variety of modes. Although the ubiquitin chains have been known to be generated via one of the seven lysine residues in ubiquitin, the linear ubiquitin chain, which is specifically generated by the LUBAC ubiquitin ligase by linking via the N-terminal methionine of ubiquitin, was discovered in Japan in 2006. The discovery greatly contributed to the concept of "ubiquitin signaling". In this symposium, we will discuss the history, current status, and future prospects of LUBAC and linear ubiquitin chain research, which is the result of research originating in Japan, including its application to disease research.

Kota Yanagitani（Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University）
Kanji Okumoto（Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University）
Toshiya Endo（Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University）
Akiko Kuma（Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University）
Minami Orii（Showa University School of Medicine）
Noriyuki Matsuda（Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University）

Based on recent innovations in imaging, mass spectrometry, and protein structure analysis, our understanding of cell structure and function is undergoing a major turnaround. Toward the end of the last century, there was a time when it was thought that our understanding of the structure and function of organelles was almost complete. However, today, organelles are once again emerging with chaotic and unknown structures and functions. In this symposium, we would like to confirm the current position of new organelle biology by following the organelle life cycle through its formation, monitoring, maintenance, and degradation. We would also like to touch on new diseases and measurement techniques related to organelles.

Tsuyoshi Osawa（RCAST, The University of Tokyo）
Yasuhiro Kojima（National Cancer Center, Research Institute）
Hiroyuki Okada（Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo）
Shogo Suga（Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo）
Etsuo Susaki（Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine）
Ayako Suzuki（Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo）

In recent years, advances in measurement technology and collaboration with deep learning and data science, which processes and analyzes vast amounts of data, have laid the foundation for uncovering various new life phenomena at the cellular and subcellular levels in the field of life sciences. This symposium aims to provide an opportunity for up-and-coming young researchers to gather and introduce the world of life system dynamics, which approaches the essence of life science, by utilizing deep omics, ultra-resolution imaging, deep learning, and data science. Additionally, it will provide a chance for new entrants by offering a platform for young researchers to showcase their skills.

Junichi Ikenouchi（Kyushu University Faculty of Science）
Sachiko Kamakura（Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences）
Satoshi Toda（WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University）
Naoki Tanimizu（The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo）
Erina Kuranaga（Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University）
Shinji Matsumoto（Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University）

Individual epithelial cells with apical-basal polarity form a single-layer cell sheet via intercellular adhesion, which then transforms into a three-dimensional morphology to form a functional epithelial tissue with a luminal structure. This symposium will focus on the molecular mechanisms of epithelial tissue morphogenesis, ranging from the molecular mechanisms of intercellular adhesion and polarity formation, which underlie the basis of morphogenesis, to the mechanisms of self-organization of epithelial tissue by cell interactions and how failures of these mechanisms cause pathologies. We will discuss about cutting-edge topics on epithelial tissue morphogenesis, including recent findings on the molecular mechanisms of intercellular adhesion and polarity formation, live imaging of epithelial tissue morphogenesis, analysis of cell-cell interactions using organoids, and mechanisms of self-organization revealed by synthetic biology approaches.

Yoshifumi Yamaguchi（北海道大学低温科学研究所）
Fumika Mi-ichi（Central Laboratory, NEKKEN, Nagasaki University）
Ryota Yamasaki（Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University）
Tetsuro Matsunaga（Department of Environmental Medicine and Molecular Toxicology,Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine）
Sohkichi Matsumoto（Niigata University）

Many organisms can reduce their metabolic activities to save energy for entering into the states of dormancy and/or hibernation. Such phenotypic conditions can be seen in the formation of spores in some bacteria, seed formation in plants, dormant eggs in Daphnia species, and animal hibernation. Transfer into and awakening from dormant status would be influenced and controlled by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and nutrition availability. Understanding the mechanisms how organisms can get into dormancy, maintain the dormancy, and reactivate the metabolisms to awake from the dormancy is an interesting questions. This symposium will provide the forum for discussions about dormancy and hibernation from different species including bacteria, protozoa, and mammals. The topics include biology and biochemistry of dormancy, energy metabolisms, and parasitic adaptation.

Mitsuo Maruyama（Geroscience Research Center, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology）
Yuri Miura（Research Team for Mechanism of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology）
Keiichi Higuchi（Faculty of Human Health Sciences Meio University / Institute for Biomedical Science Shinshu University）
Naoki Ito（Brain-Skeletal muscle Connection in Aging Project Team, Geroscience Research Center, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology）
Takayuki Harada（Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）
Ryoya Takahashi（Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University）

Recently, aging research makes salient progress along with the novel geroscience, as increasing the elderly become aware of extending their healthy life span. Study of the age-dependent decline in various biological functions has made us to explore and identify relevant genes and molecules. Analysis of spatiotemporal regulation of these biomarkers allowed objective quantification of morphological and functional decline with aging and normalized the level of aging. Consequently, it is emerging that several aging hallmarks are strongly related to each other and involved in the regulation of individual aging processes. In this symposium, we discuss post-translational proteostasis and its disruption, which has focused in relation to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or cataracts. In particular, based on the latest results of aging research, we also consider how the disruption of proteostasis caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins due to misfolded, oxidized, or glycosylated proteins affects the regulation of aging itself.

Yasuo Yoshioka（Research Institute for Microbial Disease, Osaka University）
Tomoka Takatani-Nakase（School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University）
Akiko Eguchi（Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University）
Ryosuke Kojima（Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo）
Koji Sakamoto（Nagoya University Hospital Respiratory Medicine）

Pleiotropic functionalities of cell membranes for acceptance/rejection of molecular stimulation and environmental changes lead to signal transduction, total cellular responses, and cell-to-cell communications. Elucidation for contaminated molecular behavior and response on/in “stage" of cell membrane certainly leads to understanding and controlling biological functions and disease mechanisms with order and flexibility. In this symposium, related membrane molecules and their behaviors in cancer and inflammation disease and their detection/regulation system will be mainly focused by up-and-coming top-class researchers including e.g., immune responses, secreted vesicles-based cell-to-cell communications, liver or lung inflammation diseases, ion exchanger for cancer progression.

Yoshiyuki Manabe（Osaka University）
Kaori Tsukakoshi（Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology）
Shinichi Sato（Tohoku University）
Takuya Terai（The University of Tokyo）
Shindo Naoya（Kyushu University）
Yuichiro Hori（Kyushu University）

Biomolecules regulate the physiological functions of cells by altering their activity and dynamics through chemical modifications. The elucidation of its mechanisms is a major challenge in life sciences. On the other hand, artificial chemical modifications enable the control and detection of biomolecules, generating a new research trend. Chemical biology provides a powerful approach to conducting research on chemical modifications, both natural and artificial. Using this approach, Transformative Research Areas (B) “Glycan-chemical Knock-in" focuses on glycosylation. In this symposium, we would like to expand this field and provide topics on chemical biology research, including not only glycosylation but also the other natural and artificial chemical modifications.

Hidefumi Suzuki（Yokohama City University Graduate school of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology）
Keisuke Nimura（Osaka University Graduate school of Medicine, Department of gene therapeutics）
Sengoku Toru（Yokohama City University Graduate school of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry）
Takeya Kasukawa（Large Scale Data Managing Unit, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences）
Kosuke Yusa（Kyoto University Graduate school of Medicine, Department of Biosystems science）

Proper regulation of gene expression is essential for a variety of cellular functions. Transcription is regulated spatiotemporally through multifactorial interactions among a limited number of transcriptional regulators including proteins, RNAs, and DNAs. It has become clear that the entire transcriptional process is united by a tight interconnection of transcriptional regulators. We called such a transcriptional regulatory mechanism “transcriptional unity". In this mechanism, a specific transcription unity is formed in specific genes by specific interactions among specific factors, a spatiotemporal multifactor interaction. In this symposium, we would like to discuss the transcriptional unity mechanism formed by such spatiotemporal multifactor interactions and the novel regulation of gene expression by transcriptional unity.

Yoshikii Hayashi（Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Univ. of Tsukuba）
Hiroko Sano（Institute of Life Science, Kurume Univ.）
Soshiro Kashio（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. of Tokyo）
Yoshihiro Izumi（Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu Univ.）
HIdeaki Kano（Graduate School of Systems Life Science, Kyushu Univ.）
Daisuke Saito（Graduate School of Systems Life Science, Kyushu Univ.）

With the recent progress of technologies analyzing gene expression or cellular metabolites, cellular metabolism, the most classical biochemical research field, is merged into the studies of cancer and stem cells. Now we know its role is beyond house-keeping. Although those new arising studies attract the hottest interests of biologists, the role of cellular metabolism in tissue development and homeostasis is poorly understood, and it provides the gate to the new frontier. In this symposium, the speakers will provide innovative researches, which include diverse biological processes in diverse model organisms, and new technologies for analyzing in vivo metabolism. We would like to discuss the new insight into the role of cellular metabolism in this frontier research field.

Takeshi Inagaki（Institute of Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University）
Atsushi Tanaka（Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine）
Hiroaki Fujita（Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University）
Tasuku Hirayama（Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University）
Hironari Nishizawa（Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine）
Toshiro Moroishi（Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University）

Iron-controlled cell death is known as "ferroptosis'' and has been extensively studied in recent years. In addition, recent studies have suggested that iron is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, contributing to cell fate determination. Iron may thus determine cell fates in various phases by not only acting as a protein cofactor but also regulating its activity. In this symposium, we designate the cell fate decisions involving iron as "ferrofate" and discuss about the molecular network controlled by iron. We also discuss its physiopathological significance and introduce recent technical development in this field, providing a perspective on iron biochemistry.

Morimoto Kazushi（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University）
Ihara Hideshi（Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University）
Tianli Zhang（Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto Universit）
Shinkai Yasuhiro（Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba）

Compounds that have the potential to enter the body, such as foods, environmental factors, and drugs, are known to be sources of "active species" that have redox (oxidation-reduction) activity. In most cases, post-translational modifications of proteins by such active species have irreversible effects such as protein denaturation, aggregation, and degradation reactions. In this case, removal of proteins that have lost their function from the body is considered to be the most important factor in maintaining the homeostasis of the body. Based on this background, we planned this symposium for the purpose of comprehensively understanding the acquisition of protein functionality associated with the formation of adducts as signatures.

Yasutaka Anraku（School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology）
Sayaka Takemoto-Kimura（Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University）
Shigeo Miyata（Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Nihon Pharmaceutical University）
Takayuki Kawai（Faculty of Science, Kyushu University）
Seiichi Ohta（School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo）

Recent innovations in live brain imaging technologies like magnetic resonance imaging have gradually elucidated the “macroscale" functions of central nervous system (CNS). However, “microscale" molecular information such as biomolecules directly involved in CNS disorders and their mechanism of action remains a mystery. Here, we founded a new research area “Innovative nanotechnology for probing molecular landscapes in the brain". We are developing a novel polymer-based nanomachine that can efficiently pass the blood brain barrier, yield the brain molecules, and return to the blood, which can provide us molecular information of the brain without invasion. Our technology can lead innovative diagnostic methods for the CNS disorders, as well as bring us new scientific viewpoints on the molecular transfer around the brain. In this session, we will introduce our cutting edge technologies for exploring brain, as well as the new phenomena and issues discovered in our research.

Tsuyoshi Ikura（Laboratory of Chromatin Regulatory Network, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University）
Masaya Oki（Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui）
Naoki Honda（Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University）
Tetsuya Kobayashi（Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo）

Recent progress in single-cell analysis has revealed that individual cell responses are indeed diverse in their fluctuations and variations. Although these diversities appear to conflict with universality, it is also true that cell populations follow certain rules, such as cell differentiation and robustness against stress, possibly by making effective use of these fluctuations and variations. It is important to extract the universal rules hidden in these diversities for the true understanding of biological functions. In this symposium, we introduce recent findings of researchers who are tackling to overcome this issue, using biochemical and mathematical approaches. We discuss the prospects for the next generation of biochemical research.

Yuki Okada（The University of Tokyo, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences）
Tomoya Kitajima（RIKEN BDR）
Yohei Hayashi（Tohoku University, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer）
Ryuichi Kimura（Kyoto University, Graduate School of Medicine）
Sugako Ogushi（Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine）
Nobuyoshi Akimitsu（The University of Tokyo, Isotope Science Center）

In germ cells, genetic and epigenetic information is tightly regulated to ensure their developmental competence. For example, the massive demethylation of CpGs in the genome are thought to be important for germ cell function and for the development and homeostasis of offspring. Understanding the details of regulation safeguarding germ cell competence is thus the fundamental issue for reproductive and developmental biology. Recent advances in imaging and sequencing technologies are making it possible to quantify genetic and epigenetic information and analyze the consequences of their defects. This symposium aims to deepen our understanding of the state-of-the-art knowledge and techniques for quantifying germ cell competence through lectures by leading researchers in this field.

Michio Nakaya（Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University）
Hideki Tatsukawa（Cellular Biochemistry Lab., Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University）
So-ichiro Fukada（Laboratory of Stem Cell Regeneration and Adaptation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University）
Miyako Tanaka（Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University）
Tamaki Kurosawa（Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Tokyo University）

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are one of the most common and widespread cell types in our bodies. MSCs have been shown to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages such as fat and bone in vitro, and to be the origin of fibrosis in various organs. However, the true nature of MSCs in vivo remains unclear. Recent advances in single-cell RNA-seq have shown the heterogeneity of MSCs within and between organs, revealing the great diversity of MSCs. To understand the nature of these familiar but enigmatic cells, it is necessary to promote MSC research systematically by bringing together various research fields. In this symposium, we would like to take the first step towards construction of MSC research world by sharing cutting-edge knowledge on MSCs.

Satoko Arai（The Institute for AIM Medicine）
Masahiro Nakano（Laboratory for Human Immunogenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences）
Yuhei Takado（Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology）
Yohei Mikami（Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine）
Rieko Muramatsu（Department of Molecular Pharmacology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry）

Damaged tissues demonstrate “tissue resilience function" to resume their normal state to maintain organ homeostasis, whereas “inflammatory memories", and the deposition of inflammation-generated factors, termed “tissue damage entropy", lead to sustained inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Promoting the prompt resolution of inflammation, it is necessary to regulate “tissue resilience function" and “tissue damage entropy" successfully. For this purpose, it is needed to understand the mechanisms of tissue resilience in an integrated manner to promote the resolution of inflammation research systematically. In this symposium, we would like to share the cutting-edge knowledge on resolution of inflammation from various fields to elucidate the mechanism of “tissue resilience function".

Miku Tsurushima（United Japanese researchers Around the world）
Masaki Kawamata（Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration,Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University）
Ryusei Maeda（Center for Animal Resources and Development, Kumamoto University）
Tomoki Sato（Graduate School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka）
Daisuke Sato（Yokohama National University）
Yoshifumi Tsuchiya（Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Doshisha University）
Satomi Inaba（High Energy Accelerator Research Organization）

United Japanese researchers Around the world (UJA) has organized Forums and/or Symposiums at various academic societies. The first organization of our Symposium in the Annual Meeting of the Japanese Biochemical Society was in 2018, and this year is the second time. At this symposium, we will share the tips of successful study abroad and the current state of science in the world with Japanese researchers who study abroad. In the panel discussion, we will discuss how to construct a network that enables Japanese researchers to be active in the world. A survey conducted by UJA in 2013 revealed that many researchers are interested in studying abroad. However, these researchers feel anxiety and risk about studying abroad. Furthermore, in the 2019 UJA Survey, we are beginning to see how researchers should respond to the new era. In this symposium, we will introduce the experiences of researchers who have studied abroad at various career stages. Also, based on the results of the survey, we will discuss how to maximize the utility of research study abroad in the future.

Hiroshi Kondoh（Kyoto univeristy, Graduate School of Medicine）
Taiki Nagano（Kobe University, Biosignal Research Center）
Takahiko Shimizu（National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology）
Yoshikazu Higami（Tokyo University of Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences）
Yoshikazu Nakamura（Tokyo University of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology）

In Japan, which has entered a super-aging era, "aging research" becomes one of the most interesting and important research field, diverse research has been performed using not only mice, but also lower organisms including yeast and nematodes to monkeys and humans. Cellular senescence is the irreversible growth arrest of cells in vitro as defined by Hayflick et al. in the 1960s. In addition to DNA damage response and oncogene activation, it is suggested recently that it may be induced by various mechanisms. Furthermore, in recent years, the concepts of SASP, in which senescent cells themselves secrete various bioactive moleculs and induce chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis in their surroundings, and senolysis, in which senescent cells are selectively removed, have become common. Therefore, we could say that aging research entered a new era. In this symposium, we would like to discuss the diversity of cellular senescence from the various perspectives.

Yorifumi Sato（Kumamoto University）
Yasuko Sagara（ Japanese Red Cross Kyushu Block Blood Centre）
Shingo Nakahata（Kagoshima University）
Makoto Yoshimitsu（Kagoshima University）
Ryuji Kubota（Kagoshima University）
Yasuo Suda（Kagoshima University）

Retrovirus HTLV-1 infects T cells, and infected T cells cause blood cancer ATL with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%, and severe myelopathy HAM that progresses to complete paralysis of both lower limbs and bladder and rectal disorders. There are 820,000 HTLV-1 infected people in Japan, mainly in southern Kyushu, and an estimated 30 million infected people worldwide. After an incubation period of more than 40 years after infection, ATL develops in less than 5% of infected individuals and HAM in 0.3%. Although the differences in the pathogenic mechanisms of ATL and HAM are not completely clear, it is believed that extermination of HTLV-1-infected T cells can cure or prevent aggravation. On the other hand, there is no definitive cure for any of them, and the contribution of biochemists is essential. In this symposium, we will introduce the epidemiology and testing methods of ATL and HAM from the properties of the HTLV-1 virus, the current state of treatment, and treatment methods based on new ideas.

Jenny Littlechild（(University of Exeter）
Kei Yura（Ochanomizu University）
Shih-Hsiung Wu（Academia Sinica）
Naruo Shimada（BioChromato, Inc）
Kiyoshi Asai（The University of Tokyo）
Koyu Hon-nami

Thermus thermophilus is viable even in a high temperature environment of 85 ℃. As a model organism of thermophilic bacteria that are genetically manipulable, this bacterium greatly contributed toward the clarification of basic life phenomena and the development of biochemistry. The advantage of T. thermophilus as biological experimental material is that its proteins are thermally resistant and stable. As heat-resistant biomolecules are very suitable materials for structural analyses, their functions have been predicted in structural-genome projects, and in many cases have been demonstrated by biochemical research. We have newly started the ThermusQ project which is an initiative to gather all the information on T. thermophilus, to integrate all those pieces of information and to build a whole- cell simulator that help understand the whole molecular mechanisms in this organism. The symposium will introduce researches in frontier areas and discuss the latest digital technologies to meet this challenge.

Tomohiro Sawa（Kumamoto University）
Masahiro Akiyama（Keio University）
Hiroki Sekine（Tohoku University）
Uradzimir Barayeu（DKFZ German Cancer Research Center）
Masami Hirai（RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science）
Fanyan Wei（Tohoku University）

Sulfur is an element that has been a driving force in the history of life on Earth and is responsible for many redox reactions in living organisms due to its redox sensitive properties. On the other hand, these properties make accurate analysis difficult and many sulphur metabolites have been overlooked. Recent advances in analytical techniques have led to the identification of metabolites and proteins with catenated sulphur atoms as new biomolecules, and their chemical properties and functional importance are being elucidated. These molecules are collectively referred to as supersulfides and are being explored to develop a new understanding of life. In this symposium, emerging researchers will present their latest research on the homeostasis and stress response mechanisms of living organisms, focusing on the biological phenomena interwoven by supersulfides and related molecules.

Isao Naguro（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo）
Hiroya Yamazaki（Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo）
Tomohiro Yamazaki（Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University）
Ryu-suke Nozawa（Division of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Institute of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR)）
Daiju Kitagawa（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo）

The introduction of the concept of phase separation into biology gave us a new “window" to understand intracellular biological phenomena. Emerging evidences show that various molecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) form sophisticated condensates via the phase separation. Diverse triggers (molecular sequence: grammar, spatial/environment factors and phospho-signaling) contribute to dynamic spatiotemporal regulation of multiphasic intracellular condensates. Although physical properties of each condensate are supposed to govern its own function, the comprehensive understanding of the functional coupling awaits further discussion.In this symposium, we invite young scientists studying various “entities for triggering phase separation". We aim to understand fundamentals of condensation at molecular level and compare the relationship between physical properties and function of condensates.

Tadahiro Shimazu（RIKEN, CPR）
Yoshihiro Sohtome （RIKEN, CPR）
Kenzo Yamatsugu（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University）
Akihiro Ito（School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences）
Shinjiro Hino（Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University）

Living organisms utilize chemical modifications of a wide variety of biological molecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites according to the environment and stimulations. These in vivo modifications are widely regulated by enzymes with the use of cofactors such ATP, SAM, and acyl-CoA. Recent studies have revealed that exogenous chemical substances have also been used to modify/disturb the existing chemical networks. Thus, living organisms rely on a variety of chemical modification networks beyond what was previously thought.In this symposium, we will discuss the development of methods for introducing and manipulating such chemical modifications in cells, the discovery and physiological roles of new PTM using the technology, and external stimuli-derived modifications. We would like to provide a forum for comprehensive discussion of chemical modification networks from both chemical and biological perspectives.

Noriko Noguchi（Grad. Sch. Medical life system, Doshisya Univ）
Daisuke Yamane（Tokyo Metropolitan Inst. of Med. Sci.）
Tomoko Koumura（Sch. Pharm. Sci., Kitasato Univ.）
Daiki Hayashi（Grad. Sch. Agricultural Sci., Kobe Univ.）

Vitamin E such as alpha-tocopherol has been reported to have various functional properties not only as a nutrient. Many studies have been conducted focusing on its antioxidant activity. and vitamin E research seems to have been thoroughly studied. However, new findings related its unknown functions and mechanisms have still reported. For example, its effects on Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis virus infection, heart disease, and diabetic nephropathy. The studies include the importance of vitamin E as an antioxidant in the inhibition of ferotosis, and the importance of vitamin E for the structural maintenance of organelle membrane lipids and the function of intestinal bacteria, and its receptor. In this symposium, we will introduce new functions and mechanisms of vitamin E on diseases of the brain, heart, liver, and kidney. This symposium is expected to develop "new era of vitamin E research" in the field of biochemistry.

Nobuhito Goda（Waseda University）
Kyoko Shirakabe（Ritsumeikan University）
Naoyuki Kataoka（University of Tokyo）
Tohru Itoh（University of Tokyo）
Shunsuke Tabe（University of Tokyo）
Koh Nakayama（Asahikawa Medical University）

Organs in our body consist of multiple cell types which communicate each other to build specialized functions of an organ. Pathological insults disturb intercellular interactions and tissue structures, which will induce pathological conditions and eventually cause tumor formation. Cellular interactions are also affected by tissue microenvironment consisting of multiple factors, including oxygen, pH, and metabolites. In this symposium, we aim to establish an integrated vision of tissue homeostatsis by focusing on how cells and tissues alter gene expression, cell-cell interaction, and soluble factor secretion responding to tissue microenvironment changes upon inflammation and chronic injuries.

Tadayuki Tsujita（Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University）
Mayumi Minamisawa（Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Chiba Instisute of Technology）
Hiromi Shimokawa（Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University）
Natalia A. Ignatenko （Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, ）
Takeshi Uemura（Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University）

We are facing the era for 100-year life expectancy, to live with a healthy and energetic life even as we get older is an emerging desire for us. In this symposium, speakers will share the latest findings to promote a healthy and long-lived society, with a focus onto polyamines. Polyamines are known essential metabolites for life, and their metabolic imbalance with aging causes various age-related diseases such as cerebral infarction and cancer, as well as aging phenomena such as decline in cognitive and physical functions. Understanding the physiological functions and metabolic regulation of polyamines will help us to prolong our lifespan. At this symposium, we would like to discuss cutting-edge research that will enable healthy longevity. We also welcome new researchers and exciting collaborations.

Hisao Masai（Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）
Shou Waga（ Japan Women's University）
Masato T. Kanemaki（National Institute of Genetics）
Yasunori Noguchi（Kyushu University）
Shogo Ozaki（Kyushu University）

The key events in chromosomal replication initiation are construction of initiation complexes, DNA duplex unwinding, and loading of helicases. In E. coli, duplex unwinding mechanism has been elucidated, which is stimulating analyses of various bacterial mechanisms. Alternative initiation modes induced by various stresses are also being explored. In yeasts, dynamic operation of replication initiation complexes is being elucidated based on cryo-EM analysis of reconstituted complexes. Similar and various approaches are emerging for initiation mechanisms of human chromosome. These have demonstrated importance of specific DNA structures and protein/RNA factors. Novel perspectives inspired by these will be discussed toward understanding of principles and divergence in initiation mechanisms.

Yasukazu Daigaku（Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research）
Daichi Inoue（Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe）
Teppei Shimamura（Tokyo Medical and Dental/Nagoya University）
Naoko Hattori（Hoshi University）
Takayuki Nojima（Kyushu University）
Yoshito Yamashiro（The National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center）

The expression and maintenance of genome are strictly controlled. Therefore, its dysregulation caused by cellular stress leads to various diseases. Notably, the extracellular environment surrounding cells and tissues affects such regulation of genome. However, it remains still largely unknown how cells sense the stresses from intra- and extra-cellular environment and how they conquer genome expression and maintenance. In this symposium, we will introduce our latest findings with advanced technologies on DNA replication, RNA transcription/processing, and epigenetics, which are considered crucial steps to determine cell fate and control the expression of genes related to diseases. We will also discuss new aspects of genomic regulation that are influenced not only the intracellular environment, but also by the extracellular environment. We hope that this symposium will provide a new platform for the fusion of research and analytical methods that could lead to future breakthroughs in the field of genome and cell biology.

Yasuyoshi Oka（Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University）
Shinichiro Nakada（Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University ）
Ryosuke Fujikane（Department of Physiological Science and Molecular Biology, Fukuoka Dental College）
Yoko Katsuki（Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University）
Lewis Bainbridge（University of Sussex）

The DNA repair system is an important mechanism for maintaining genome stability and is a topic that many researchers have been focusing on. In recent years, the achievements have been widely applied from basic to clinical research, including not only the exploration of the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair, but also the elucidation of the biological consequence of its defect (cancer, ageing, genetic diseases, etc.) and the development of genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 using the DNA repair mechanism. In line with this, multifaceted research approaches have been performed to comprehensively understand DNA repair mechanisms using the cutting edge technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, novel genome editing technologies, and disease model animals. In this symposium, we would like to learn about the forefront of DNA repair research and discuss its future perspective.

Hitoshi Nakatogawa（Tokyo Institute of Technology）
Ikuko Honda（The University of Tokyo）
Hideaki Morishita（Juntendo University）
Takuma Tsuji（Juntendo University）
Hirofumi Toda（University of Tsukuba）
Shunsuke Shimobayashi（Kyoto University）

The cytoplasm is not one large tank, but is intricately zoned by lipid membranes and liquid-liquid phase separation, facilitating various signal transductions and enzymatic reactions without confounding them. A growing body of research on multimode autophagy has revealed that autophagy contributes not only to the generation of new cytoplasmic zones through autophagosome formation, but also to the reorganization of cytoplasmic zones through deformation and degradation of various membrane-bound and membraneless organelles. In this symposium, we will consider autophagy as a reorganization mechanism of cytoplasmic zoning, discuss its various mechanisms, and introduce the expanding world of cytoplasmic zoning with the latest topics other than autophagy.

Makoto Murakami（Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo）
Makoto Arita（Keio University）
Takashi Shichita（Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）
Hisako Kayama（Osaka University Institute for advanced co-creation studies）
Takehiko Yokomizo（Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine）

The AMED research area" Understanding of Pathophysiological Processes and Discovery of Medical Technology Seeds through Spatiotemporal Research of Tissue Adaptation and Repair Mechanisms (Adaptation and Repair)", launched in 2018, adopted 13 CREST and 30 PRIME research projects with the aim of enhancing our spatio-temporal comprehension of the adaptation and repair processes in living organisms and generating technology seeds for healthcare and medicine. This symposium, co-sponsored by AMED, will delve into the latest research findings related to lipids from both within and outside the field. In this symposium, we will focus on the role of lipids for pathology and tissue-repair and explore potential medical applications based on fundamental standpoints.

Shin-ichi Arimura（Tokyo University）
Yuma Yamada（Hokkaido University）
Shiori Akabane（Rikkyo University）
Kotaro Takeyasu（University of Tsukuba）
Shun-ichi Yamashita（ Niigata University）
Tatsuki Yasuda（Osaka University）

Mitochondria not only play a role in energy production through oxidative respiration, but also have important functions in cellular responses such as cell death and cell differentiation and metabolic regulation. Mitochondria have long been focused as a therapeutic target for various diseases, through biochemical methods such as activation of respiration and inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation, and more recently through new technologies such as removal of damaged mitochondria via membrane dynamics, molecular delivery technology into mitochondria, and DNA modulation inside organelle. In this symposium, we will discuss new technologies for toughening mitochondria in animals and plants.

Shinya Oki（Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine）
Yasushi Ishihama（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University）
Genji Kurisu（Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University）
Shuichi Onami（RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research）

Progress in the life sciences is remarkable, and biodata continues to grow, diversify, and become more sophisticated. Creating an environment for the sharing and integrated use of public data is essential for the future of life sciences. Every speaker in this symposium is active in both experimental research and database development. They will introduce their databases on the epigenome, proteome, protein structure, and bioimage and present their efforts toward data-driven research. We also hope to hear their views on how artificial intelligence will change the way we do research, as high-quality data exceeds a critical mass. We believe this event will provide an opportunity for everyone interested in the future of the life sciences to deepen her/his thought.

Nobuyasu Koga（Protein Research, Osaka University）
Kentarou Tomii（The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)）
Koji Yonekura（Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Riken ・Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University）
DANEV RADOSTIN （Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo）
Fumiaki Makino（Osaka University Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories）

It was only two years ago that AlphaFold, developed by DeepMind Inc., shocked the world by demonstrating that it was possible to predict highly accurate three-dimensional structures from amino acid sequence information alone. Based on these results, rapid progress has been made in the design of new three-dimensional structures of proteins. On the other hand, although single-particle analysis using cryo-electron microscopy has already become routine, there is still plenty of room for new technology development. Because of these technological innovations, it has joked that structural biologists no longer had a way to live, but just as it happened, all biologists need structural biology literacy to perform good research. Can't you feel it? Please come and listen.

Nen Saito（HIroshima University）
Katsuyuki Shiroguchi（RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR)）
Tetsuhisa Otani（National Institute for Physiological Sciences）
Kei Sugihara（Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University）

Cells play a central role in biology as the basic unit of life. While diverse cell shapes have been documented in cell biology and histology, the fundamental question of "how cell shapes are generated" remains largely unanswered. In recent years, biology has progressed beyond the description stage, and some research aimed at understanding the mechanisms by establishing governing equations, like in physics and science, has emerged. In addition, the widespread use of imaging, single-cell RNA-seq, and machine learning techniques now allow for the acquisition of molecular localization, dynamics, and comprehensive gene expression profiles of individual cells, creating a background for the verification of theoretical models. In this symposium, we will introduce researches that combine mathematical modeling and experimentation to unravel the mechanisms of single-cell shape formation.

Yasuo Mori（Kyoto University）
Taguchi Tomohiko（Tohoku University）
Katsunori Tanaka（Tokyo Institute of Technology）
Yuki Goto（The University of Tokyo）
Shigeki Kiyonaka（Nagoya University）

Proteins, as key molecules of biological responses, have ways to override the tight chemical regulation imposed by the genetic code. Among them are covalent chemical modifications, which confer unprecedented functions to proteins and, as well, assign proteins to unique physiological roles via their subcellular translocations. Physiological understanding of chemical modifications has been greatly diversified, expanded, and deepened due to the prominent progress brought by recent analytic techniques. Moreover, the technology of artificial chemical modifications have been rapidly innovated to be widely implemented in different biological hierarchies from purified protein preparations to live cells and tissues in vivo. In this symposium, we will overview new developments in biology of covalent chemical modification by focusing on native protein adducts with lipids and oxidizing species, and by highlighting identification of causative chemical species. Artificial modifications of amino acid side chains that enable functional conversion and site-selective labeling of proteins are our other main interest. Ultimately, to demonstrate the potentiality of the research field, it is our hope that we will discuss about what concept would protein chemical modification give birth to at the interface of biology and chemistry.

Nozomu Okino（Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University）
Motohiro Tani（Faculty of Science, Kyushu University）
Kiyotaka Fujita（Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University）
Masahito Hashimoto（Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University）
Hiroaki Tateno（The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)）
Kaoru Takegawa（Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University）

Microorganisms are thought to have acquired their unique glycan structures through horizontal gene transfer and convergent evolution by interacting with microorganisms, plants, and animals. Some microorganisms synthesize lipopolysaccharides and glycolipids that activate the human immune system, and their structures and functions are attracting attention. On the other hand, mammals have induced symbiotic microbial communities necessary for host biological functions in the gut and oral cavity by using plant-derived oligosaccharides and host milk oligosaccharides. This symposium aims to introduce the latest findings on the biosynthesis and degradation pathways of glycans unique to microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, and fungi) and their physiological functions, and to deepen our understanding of the robust survival strategies of microorganisms mediated by glycans.

Kenji Izuhara（Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Saga Medical School）
Kiyoshi Hirahara（Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University）
Takaharu Okada（RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences）
Yugo Takagi（Department of Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo）
Makoto Tsuda（Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University）

Itch is a sensation that triggers scratching behavior to remove harmful substances on the skin and functions as a defense system. However, in skin diseases, itch becomes chronic and causes repetitive scratching. This can worsen skin barrier disruption and inflammation, which leads to further scratching. The mechanism for skin inflammation has been extensively studied in immunology, but how itch generates and becomes chronic are still unknown. In the past decade, however, much progress has been made in understanding the mechanism for itch signal neurotransmission at the molecular, cellular, and circuit levels. Immune factors have also been shown to directly activate sensory neurons. Thus, immune-neural connections and neuroplastic changes have received attention as a mechanism of itch and its chronicity. Speakers will show the latest findings revealing these mechanisms and will discuss therapeutic strategies.

Richard Wong（WPI-Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University）
Haruhiko Asakawa（Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University）
Hirohisa Kyogoku（Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University）
Satomi Mukai（Aichi Cancer Center）
Masahiro Oka（National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN)）

Here we focus on the functions of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and its components, nucleoporins. The NPC is a large molecular assembly of about 1000 copies of ~30 different nucleoporins, and is responsible for the nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins and RNAs. Recently, it has been revealed that NPCs are dynamic and functional structures that change depending on various factors such as developmental stage, cell differentiation, and cellular environment. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that abnormalities in the NPC and nucleoporins contribute to a variety of pathological conditions. This symposium will provide an opportunity to discuss the latest findings on various biological phenomena and diseases which involving the functions of NPCs and nucleoporins.

Chiharu Nishiyama（Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science）
Satoshi Tanaka（Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University）
Jiro Kitaura（Atopy Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine）
Atsuhito Nakao（Department of Immunology, University of Yamanashi）

Mast cells, a type of hematopoietic cell, are crucially involved in allergic responses. Since the discovery of IgE, which initiates mast cell degranulation, by Dr. Kiminari Ishizaka in 1960s, Japanese researchers have played a leading role in mast cell research, contributing to the development of various control methods targeting their responses and mediators. It has recently become clear that mast cells carry the elaborate regulatory machinery for their degranulation and other responses. In this symposium, leading scientists engaged in mast cell research will come together and discuss the latest findings. We hope that this will lead to the development of innovative control methods for mast cells, as well as to the elucidation of unknown regulatory mechanisms in many other cell types.

Ikuo Nobuhisa（Faculty of Nutritional Sciences, Nakamura Gakuen University）
Atsushi Iwama（The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo）
Kenichi Miharada（International Research Center for Medical Science, Kumamoto University）
Shigetomo Fukuhara（Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School）

It is needless to say that tissue stem cells, the source of cells in the respective organs/tissues in the body, are maintained by self-renewal throughout the lifetime. However, the issues on where tissue stem cells originate, whether their properties are unchanged, how they behave under unwanted circumstances, whether they actually are immortal, etc. have drawn and continue to draw our interest. Hematopoietic stem cells arise from progenitor cells that also give rise to endothelial cells of blood vessels during embryonic development, migrate and proliferate in the fetal liver and the placenta, and then settle in the bone marrow around birth. Hematopoietic stem cells have the self-renewal capacity and the multipotency for a lifetime to provide blood cells. By triggering a homeostatic response mechanism, hematopoietic stem cells have the ability to maintain the blood system constant in response to failures of the hematopoietic system. In this symposium, we discuss the ontogeny (including aging) of hematopoietic stem cells as well as the biological responses to such as anemia, and vascular injury.

Shusei Sato（Laboratory of Symbiosis Genomics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University）
Takema Fukatu（Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology）
Takahiro Matsuki（Yakult Central Institute, Yakult Honsha Co.,Ltd.）
Moriya Ohkuma（RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM)）

Numerous microbes are living on earth, and most are forming symbiotic relationships with other organisms via various interactions, which are mutualistic or commensal (sometime pathogenic). While there are many researches on microbial symbiosis, such as organelle origins and plant-rhizobium interactions, recent advances in culture-independent analyses (including metagenomics) and other techniques have revealed a surprisingly huge diversity of microbial symbiosis, including microbial community-host interactions. However, most of their molecular bases are yet to be elucidated. In this symposium, recent topics in the microbe-plant, insect, and human (intestinal flora) interactions and the microbe-microbe interactions are presented, which will spark the interests of many participant, particularly young scientists, in this promising field both in basic and applied research.

Takashi Uehara（Okayama University）
Masato Tsutsui（Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus）
Hidehiko Nakagawa（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University）
Ayako Tonoki（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University）

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including vasodilation and neurotransmission. Its production is tightly regulated and dependent on intracellular signaling via neurotransmitter and hormone receptors. It is also known that bacterial/viral infections and excessive glutamate release during cerebral infarction result in the production of large amounts of NO, which in turn leads to bactericidal action and cell death. Recently, it has been suggested that COVID-19 is caused by explosive NO production via cytokine storm. Thus, different phenomena are observed depending on the amount of NO produced, but the detailed mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. In this symposium, we would like to discuss new aspects of NO through presentations on NO donors, NOS inhibitors, NO synthase KO mice, the physiological effects of NO, and the pathogenesis by NO.

Takahiro Shibata（Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University）
Ken-ichi Yamada（Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University）
Hiromasa Yoshioka（RIKEN）
Mieko Arisawa（Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University）
Yoshiro Saito（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University）

Lipid peroxidation in vivo has been studied for long decades, and its molecular mechanisms have recently received much attention via the discovery of "ferroptosis," a cell death involving iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. The development of innovative analysis methods has generated new findings, making this research area attractive. Carbonyls produced by lipid peroxidation elicit distinctive biological signals and induce cell protection and/or cell death. Lipid peroxidation in vivo is strictly controlled, and a new regulatory mechanism of the antioxidant system, such as reactive sulfur species, that suppresses oxidation has been discovered. In this symposium, we will introduce the latest analysis methods for lipid peroxidation and carbonyl detection, the development of tools for reactive sulfur species- and selenium-containing compounds that are attracting attention as new antioxidant systems, and the development of ferroptosis inducers. Through this symposium, we would like to discuss the latest trends and prospects of lipid peroxidation in vivo and redox regulation.

Yuka Inaba（Kanazawa university, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative）
Michiko Itoh（Nagoya University, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine）
Yumiko Oishi（Nippon Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology）
Takashi Matsuzaka（University of Tsukuba, Institute of Medicine）
Masao Doi（Kyoto University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences）

Changes within cells, such as energy status, are transmitted to the whole body. These transmissions via hormones and autonomic nerves are vital in maintaining physiological homeostasis. Accordingly, drastic changes in intracellular status and/or impeded transmissions from respective cells are directly linked to the onset and progression of life-style related diseases, e.g., type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Recently, new biological and biochemical findings have emerged about intracellular environments, their related cellular specific changes, and their inter-tissue transmission. In this symposium, these findings will be shared and discussed to revise our current understanding of life-style-related and age-associated diseases. We will also discuss therapeutic applications.

Tomoaki Tanaka（Chiba University）
Satoshi Inoue（Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology）
Takashi Ito（Nagasaki University）
Seitaro Nomura（The University of Tokyo）
Eiko Minakawa（National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry）
Yoshizumu Hirota（Shibaura Institute of Technology）

The development of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analysis and inter-organ/cellular single-cell network analysis techniques, coupled with the advancement of proteomics and data science, are opening up new perspectives on the pathogenesis of “life-aging-disease-death". In addition, biochemical methods such as liquid-liquid phase separation and the APEX2 system are being used to systematically capture nuclear events as well as mitochondrial signals - nutritional and metabolic signals - in order to elucidate pathological mechanisms and their underlying regulatory systems. In this symposium, we will introduce the pioneering researchers that have opened up the new biochemistry of "life-aging-disease-death" and deepen our discussion on future developments and possibilities.

Masato Kiyoshi（National Institute of Health Science, Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals）
Koki Makabe（Yamagata University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering）
Susumu Uchiyama（Osaka University, Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Biotechnology）
Yuji Ito（Kagoshima University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Department of Science, Chemistry Program）

Antibodies are expanding their use, most notably as antibody drugs, and the potential for expansion of its application still seems to have a great deal of room to grow. Engineering of the antigen-binding or Fab region has been the subject of much research in terms of affinity and specificity on its antigen recognition. On the other hand, the Fc of antibodies has been emphasized for its effector function and functionality in extending the half-life in blood. Recently, new approaches have been made to expand the possibilities of antibody functions by modifying Fc or adding various functions to Fc. In this symposium, we would like to introduce some of the studies focusing on this area and discuss prospects. Specifically, lectures will be given on research related to the analysis of interaction with Fc receptors, stability, and improvement of functionality; technology for creating new bispecific antibodies based on Fc; the relationship between the functionality of Fc and its interaction with Fab; and strategies for adding function through chemical modification of Fc.

Yu Ishima（Kyoto Pharmaceutical University）
Kenji Ohgane（Faculty of Science, Ochanomizu University）
Yousuke Katsuda（Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University）
Tomohiro Doura（Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University）
Kosuke Dodo（RIKEN）
Kenjiro Hanaoka（Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy）

Various new phenomena have been discovered in the biological functions and pathological conditions, further advancing the biochemical understanding of biological functions. The development of new technologies plays an important role in these new discoveries, and the development of these technologies is always key to new discoveries. In particular, there are many examples where the development of novel technologies in chemistry has led to new biochemical and cell biological discoveries. In this symposium, we will introduce cutting-edge research in chemical technology in biochemistry and cell biology by young and mid-career researchers. By introducing and discussing different technologies in this symposium, we expect further evolution of chemical technology in the field of biochemistry.

Hiroshi Asahara（Department of Systems BioMedicine,Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Masaru Ishi（Osaka University）
Yusuke Ono（Kumamoto University）
Motohiro Nishida（Kyushu University）
Namba Daisuke（The University of Tokyo）

Each organ in our body undergoes remodeling to accommodate physiological changes in the body accompanying life stages and lifestyles. This physiological organ remodeling is a mechanism with tissue regeneration and plasticity, and is essential for the body homeostasis. On the other hand, organ remodeling associated with disease and aging induces chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and reduces tissue plasticity. In this symposium, researchers who are investigating physiological and pathological organ remodeling in various organs will introduce the unique and innovative discoveries in this field, and discuss their application to regenerative medicine and anti-aging therapeutics.

Hiroki Mizukami（Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine）
Ryoji Nagai（Department of Food and Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Tokai University）
Yasuhiko Yamamoto（Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences）
Makoto Arai（Schizophrenia Research Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）

Glycation research is originated from studies of amino-carbonyl reactions in food science. Glycation is also called Maillard reaction. From the viewpoint of pathophysiology in human, glycation occurs randomly in the body, and is thus thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases; e.g. age-related diseases, diabetes and diabetic complications, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, cataracts, and aging as well. Hot topics in glycation research are understandings of (1) glycation reaction pathways, (2) highly sensitive quantitative analysis methods, (3) decomposition and removal systems, and (4) anti-glycation methods. Active members of the Japan Maillard Reaction Society (JMARS) will explain and discuss cutting-edge glycation researches in this symposium.

Masaki Ieda（Keio University）
Yasuhiro Yamada（The University of Tokyo）
Kenichi Horisawa（Kyushu University）
Makiko Iwafuchi（Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center）

The fates of cells that make up the tissues and organs of the body are determined (programmed) during the developmental process in which they are formed, and once determined, the cell fate is never changed again. However, recent remarkable progress in research on cell fate reorganization (reprogramming) has revealed that artificial manipulation of a cell's gene expression or surrounding environment can forcibly change its differentiation state and generate cells with completely different characteristics. In this symposium, world-leading researchers in the development of cell reprogramming technologies and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms, as well as researchers who are vigorously working on the medical application of reprogramming technologies, will speak at this symposium and discuss their visions for the development of cell reprogramming control in both biology and medicine.

Kiyotaka Nakagawa（Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University）
Atsushi Matsuzawa（Laboratory of Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University）
Hirotaka Imai（School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University）
Satoshi Yotsumoto（Laboratory of Immune Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences）
Masataka Ikeda（Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University）

Recently, various functions of oxidized-(phospho)lipids have been revealed, such as their roles in cell death, inflammatory reactions, and disease induction. Now, they have become "hot topics." For example, ferroptosis is a cell death induced by oxidized lipids generated by the Fenton reaction and decreased activity of intracellular glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), represented by the anticancer drug elastin and RSL3. In this symposium, we will discuss cell death research involving oxidized lipids, such as structural analysis of oxidized lipids and how they are involved in ferroptosis, NETosis, and lipoxytosis well as ferroptosis in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy and its proposed therapy. The focus will be on cell death induced by oxidized lipids, and their diverse functions will be discussed.

Eijiro Jimi（Oral Health/Brain Health/Total Health Research Center, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University）
Takashi Kanematsu（Department of Cell Biology, Aging Science, and Pharmacology, Division of Oral Biological Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University）
Isei Tanida（Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuropathology Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine）
Hideki Nishitoh（Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki）

Aging is a driving factor of various age-related diseases. Alzheimer's disease, whose risk increases with age, is caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain. Postmenopausal women are at high risk for osteoporosis-related fractures. Carcinogenesis is also age-associated and caused by the dysregulation of intracellular signaling. Senescence-driven dysregulation of cellular functions plays a crucial role in abnormal protein accumulation and post-translational modification events in cells, leading to a systemic hormonal imbalance and immunosuppression. This symposium will focus on how various age-related stresses participate in various age-related diseases to understand the characteristics of diseases in the elderly at the molecular and cellular levels.

Akira Kohda（Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University）
Yoshitomo Kikuchi（Bioproduction Research Institute, The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology）
Takehiro Miyazaki（Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University）
Hiroaki Mohri（1) Molecular Pharmacology, Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University 2) Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daiichi Hospital）
Tetsuro Ago（Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University）

NOX family NADPH oxidases are membrane enzymes that generate O2- or H2O2 from O2. It was originally recognized as a complex containing the catalytic subunit gp91phox (NOX2) that generates respiratory burst in phagocytes and its genetic mutations were known to be causative for chronic granulomatous disease. Since the finding of NOX1, a novel catalytic subunit expressed in non-phagocytes, seven isoforms of NOX/DUOX were identified in mammals, and they have been found to be involved in various physiological functions and pathogenesis in multiple tissues in the body. In addition to most eukaryotes including plants and fungi, in which they play critical roles in diverse higher biological functions, they were recently identified in bacteria. Selective NOX inhibitors have been developed, some of which are under clinical trial. In this symposium, progress in NOX research on regulatory mechanisms as well as physiological and pathological functions will be introduced, and potential for drug development will be discussed.

Tatsuo Kurihara（Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University）
Atsushi Kurata（Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University）
Shigeyuki Tanaka（Faculty of Agriculture, Setsunan University）
Takahiro Hamada（Faculty of Science, Okayama University of Science）
KEN MATSUOKA（Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University）

Recently, it is becoming clear that extracellular vesicles and microparticles are involved in interactions with other species in microorganisms and plants, in contrast to the various regulatory and circulatory functions known in higher animals. In this symposium, we will discuss the latest topics on the formation of extracellular vesicles in bacteria, interactions between intestinal resident bacteria and host animals, interactions between plant pathogenic fungi and host plants, various mechanisms of extracellular vesicles in higher plants, and the formation of extracellular vesicles and extracellular microparticles in plants. The role of extracellular vesicles and extracellular microparticles in the interaction of various organisms outside the cell will be discussed to deepen the understanding on their universality and diversity.

Miho Kobayashi（Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Maishi Nako（Hokkaido University）
Ken-ichi Mizutani（Kobe Gakuin University）
Hironao Nakayama（Hiroshima international university）
Yoshiaki Okada（Osaka University）
Tomohisa Sakaue（Ehime University）

The circulatory system is essential for transporting gases and materials in multicellular organisms. While vascular vessels largely contribute to maintaining tissue homeostasis, disruptions in their delivery system can lead to various diseases such as atherosclerosis and tissue edema. Recent biological analyses using advanced technologies have revealed that vascular vessels and surrounding tissues communicate closely with each other to cooperatively change their morphology and function. In this symposium, we will focus on intercellular communication between vascular vessels and surrounding tissues, present the latest scientific data regarding the disruption of tissue homeostasis and disease development, and discuss the importance of next-generation intercellular communication research focused on vascular vessels.

Kengo inoue（Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki）
Fumio Matsuda（Osaka University）
Manabu Kodama（Departmentof Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University）
Jun Ogawa（Div. Appl. Life Sci., Grad. Sch. Agric., Kyoto University）

It is no exaggeration to say that the long history of biochemistry began with an understanding of metabolism. Through Pasteur's understanding of the fermentation process and Kühne's proposal of enzymes, research on biochemistry, especially proteins and enzymes, has made great progress by understanding the major metabolic pathways. In recent years, the development of analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers has been remarkable, and combined with informatics analysis, the understanding of metabolic processes has advanced dramatically, leading to new discoveries. In this era, we aim to develop technologies to understand metabolic processes as a whole, control them, and manipulate them freely in the intended direction. In the future, this technology is expected to be applied to solving environmental and energy problems on a global scale and to improving health.

Shin-Ichiro Takahashi（Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo）
Yuichi Oike（Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University）
Toshimori Kitami（RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences）
Kazumichi Furuyama（Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Iwate Medical University）
Kazutaka Akagi（Research Center for Pre-disease Science, University of Toyama）

It becomes increasingly necessary to prevent disease in Mibyou period in aging society, but it's understanding is far from clear. Mitochondria are involved in ATP synthesis and calcium homeostasis and its dysfunction is associated with various diseases and aging. However, how the dysfunction of mitochondria is dynamically caused during Mibyou period leading to the progression of the diseases are poorly understood. In this symposium, we discuss the general concept of Mibyou and the disease prevention strategy in Mibyou period by introducing the studies regarding the mitochondrial alteration in the disease and Mibyou, the pathogenesis caused by obesity, regulation of energy production by amino acids, etc.

Sho Aki（Division of Integrative Nutriomics and Oncology, RCAST, The University of Tokyo）
Ayumu Sugiura（Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University）
Isshin Shiiba（Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University）
Yoshitaka Kurikawa（Graduate school and Faculty of Medicine）
Mizuki Honda（Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine）
Shun Nagashima（School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences）

Organelles, one of the characteristics of eukaryotic cells, not only function as "containers" for biological substances and enzymes, but also dynamically change their morphology and localization to control cellular functions. In recent years, with the significant improvement of imaging techniques such as super-resolution microscopy, it has become clear that individual organelles (dots) are directly connected via contact sites, forming organelle networks (lines). Organelle networks play an important role in maintaining homeostasis by cooperatively controlling the functions of each other, including metabolism, signal transduction, and organelle morphology regulation. Since the function or morphological changes of one organelle can affect other organelles, organelle networks are functionally formed beyond physical connections. At this symposium, young researchers will gather and introduce their research about organelle networks using the most advanced imaging and novel analysis techniques. This workshop will also provide an opportunity for new researchers to enter the field.

Maho Yagi-Utsumi（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University）
Tomohide Saio（Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University）
Takahiro Muraoka（Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology）
Yukiko Hori（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo）
Yoichi Shinkai（National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)）
Saori Hata（National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)）

In developed countries, the rapid increase of patients with neurodegenerative diseases has become a social problem due to the aging of society. Although many studies have been conducted to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), effective treatments have not yet been established. To break the current situation, it is essential to create innovations through the fusion of different fields. The speakers of this symposium are young researchers who challenge the understanding of principles and the development of innovative treatment methods through multi-layered research at the molecular, cellular, and individual levels and the development of chemical tools. By sharing the latest research results, the symposium aims to promote the development of new fusion research.

Shoen Kume（Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology）
Takahiro Nemoto（Department of physiology, Nippon Medical School）
Keisuke Yanagida（Department of Lipid Life Science, National Center for Global Health and Medicine）
Hina Kosakamoto（RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Laboratory for Nutritional Biology）
Joji Kusuyama（Tokyo Medical and Dental University）

The Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases (DOHaD) theory is the concept that the developmental environment during the perinatal period influences the formation of predisposing factors for disease in adulthood. In Japan, approximately 1 in 10 children is born with low birth weight. Therefore, we need to establish preemptive treatment strategies based on an accurate understanding of DOHaD mechanisms.Since multiple steps are involved in the development of DOHaD-related diseases, the molecular mechanisms of how perinatal environmental stress influences disease predisposition are not fully understood. In this symposium, we invite leading researchers who have elucidated the pathogenesis of DOHaD by prominent biochemical experimental systems and considerations. We can share the latest findings that will lead to a better understanding of the constitutional changes associated with the essential mechanisms of the DOHaD theory.

Daisuke Yamanaka（Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences）
Keigo Ueno（National Institute of Infectious Diseases）
Yasuhiko Matsumoto （Meiji Pharmaceutical University）
Atsushi Miyashita（Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology）
Masaki Ishii（Musashino University）
Makoto Araki（Meiji Pharmaceutical University）

Life is composed of diverse substances such as proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids that work organically to make cells function both as single entities and as assembly. Understanding life requires visualization of these substances, cells, and physiological activities, and biochemistry is a field of study that makes this possible. The development of new evaluation systems for visualizing diverse substances and phenomena has had a ripple effect on various fields of life science and has led to many discoveries in the life sciences. In this symposium, we will discuss new technologies that provide the basis for understanding life and elucidating pathological conditions by inviting young biochemistry-based researchers and researchers active in diverse fields such as polysaccharide structure, intracellular signal transduction, immunity, disease models, and vaccine development, to share their cutting-edge research in their respective fields. The aim of this symposium is to develop interdisciplinary research from those novel technologies.

Tomoaki Inazumi（Kumamoto University, Faculty of Life Sciences）
Dean Thumkeo（Kyoto University, Graduate School of Medicine）
Jumpei Omi（Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences）
Wataru Shihoya（Graduate School of Science）
Ikuo Kimura（Kyoto University, Faculty of Life Sciences）

Bioactive lipids derived from membrane phospholipids are produced in response to various stimuli and exert diverse pathophysiological roles via specific receptors, mainly GPCRs. Their receptors and synthetic enzymes have long been focused on as pharmaceutical targets because they work to maintain local homeostasis. For example, prostaglandins (PGs) are produced upon infection of pathogens and cause fever and pain via their receptors, while aspirin exerts antipyretic and analgesic effects by inhibiting PG biosynthesis. Lysophospholipids, represented by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), regulate angiogenesis and lymphocyte dynamics via their receptors. Fingolimod which targets one of the S1P receptors and stops T cell circulation has developed as a promising drug for multiple sclerosis. More recently, medium-chain fatty acids have gained attention as a critical regulator of various metabolic diseases via their GPCRs and as possible drug discovery targets. The symposium will bring together researchers working at the cutting edge of the field to discuss the latest topics in bioactive lipid research and to provide an opportunity to consider their application to innovative therapeutic agents for diseases.

Jun Suzuki（Kyoto University）
Hozumi Motohashi（Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University）
Akira Nakai（Yamaguchi University）
Toshifumi Inada（THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO）
Motomasa Tanaka（RIKEN）

Various stresses lead to diverse read-outs in cells through complex regulatory mechanisms. In this symposium, we focus on responses to oxidative stress, heat shock, and exposome. Furthermore, we discuss on important molecular mechanisms on protein aggregate formation, proteostasis through removing unfunctional proteins, and cell death. We aim to have active discussions on such topics by introducing most updated knowledge from the leading scientists of the respective research field.

Taeko Kobayashi（Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University）
Aya Noguchi（Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）
Yasushi Saeki（Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science）
Koshi Imami（RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences）
Yosuke Demizu（National Institute of Health Sciences）
Fumiaki Ohtake（Institute for Advanced Life Sciences, Hoshi University）

Proteins are essential functional elements of living organisms, and cellular functions are determined by the number and abundance of thousands of proteins, the proteome. In addition to protein synthesis, protein degradation plays a crucial role in the formation of the proteome. The lifespan of individual proteins varies from a few minutes to several years, but it remains to be determined how the lifespan of a protein is determined. In addition, when a cell undergoes a significant functional change, the protein composition is drastically reconfigured. Changes in protein synthesis are well understood, but the mechanisms by which selective and large-scale protein degradation occurs are unknown. A new approach to understanding the comprehensive regulation of protein lifespan will enable us to understand the true nature of life phenomena. This symposium will discuss new mechanisms of protein degradation, measurement and manipulation of protein lifetimes, and new biology through large-scale degradation.

Sho Sugawara（Division of Cellular Senescence, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research）
Motoshi Hayano（Keio University, School of Medicine）
Yoshikazu Johmura （Cancer Research Institute of Kanazawa University）
Goro Katsuumi（Juntendo University）
Karen Crasta（National Singapore University）
Keiko Kono（Affiliation Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Membranology Unit）

Many organisms undergo aging over time. In most mammals, almost all biological processes from birth to death can be associated with aging. Physical age is not the only factor determining individual aging. Accumulating evidence suggests that cellular senescence induced by various stresses accelerates individual aging. In this symposium, young researchers who have published cutting-edge research focused on epigenetics, metabolism, inflammatory response, immunity, and other factors will discuss how cellular senescence induced by stress responses contributes to individual aging.

Hiroshi Nishimasu（Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo）
Saeko Yanaka（Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University）
Aya Okuda（Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University）
Hiroki Onoda（Synchrotron radiation Research center, Nagoya University）
Takahiro Kosugi（Institute for Molecular Science ）

Through the progress of computational science in recent years, research on "Super enzyme creation", has reached a major turning point. First, regarding the three-dimensional structure of enzymes as a template, besides experimental data including crystal and cryo-EM structures, theoretical models such as using AlphaFold2 are now actively utilized. De novo protein design is also advanced. In addition, there have been several attempts to incorporate computational science data for the design of mutagenesis for higher functionality, such as using machine learning approaches and control of structural dynamics based on NMR and MD simulation results. This symposium provides an opportunity to reconsider enzymes from a viewpoint of computational science, which will be required for future enzymology. The invited speakers of this symposium consist mainly of young researchers, and the future perspectives on enzymology in basic and applied research will be discussed.

Tomohiro Kabuta（Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry）
Maho Hamasaki（Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate School of Biosciences, Osaka University）
Daisuke Takakura（Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Life Science）
Shoji Notomi（Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University Hospital）
Miki Yokoyama（Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Takahiro Seki（Himeji Dokkyo University）

Lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) is a highly glycosylated membrane protein abundant in lysosomal membranes along with LAMP1. LAMP2 is involved in various cellular functions in the lysosomal membrane, and diseases due to LAMP2 dysfunction have been reported. In this symposium, we will focus on "LAMP2 protein" from different perspectives: the structural basis for the assembly of LAMP2, protein uptake into lysosomes for degradation by the splice variant LAMP2A (chaperone-mediated autophagy), the new molecular mechanism of microautophagy by LAMP2, the role of LAMP2 in removal of damaged lysosomes (lysophagy), the relationship between LAMP2 and neurodegenerative diseases, Danon disease, age-related macular degeneration, and the changes in glycosylation of LAMP2 in cancer.

Naoko Oda-Ueda（Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University）
Hiroki Shibata（Division of Genomics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University）
Tomohisa Ogawa（Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University）
Masahiro Miyashita（Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University）
Masaki Kita（Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University）
Tadashi Kimura（Veneno Technologies Co. Ltd.）
Tomokazu Fukuda （Iwate University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering）

Venomous animals produce an extremely wide variety of venom components to capture their prey. These are highly specific and valuable bioactive components. The field of study is growing not only the discovery of new venom components, but also the elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression and the mechanisms of accelerated evolution that produce diverse venoms. This symposium specifically addressed venomous animals. The presentation will be split into two sections: the first will highlight on venomous snakes (habu), a valuable biological resource in Japan, with a wide range of recent research discoveries, and the second will cover a wide range of research findings from basic to applied, including unique components of venomous animals besides snakes, development of efficient techniques to search for targets of toxins, as well as research on cultured cells of rare animals.

Masahito Asada（National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine）
Wakako Furuyama（Department of Cellular and Molecular Virology, National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University）
Jun Kurushima（Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, Japan.）
Takashi Imai（Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases）
Tomoki Yoshikawa（Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases）
Tomoko Fujiyuki（Institute of Industrial Science）

Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, inflict various maladies by invading and exerting virulence within hosts, such as humans and animals. The process of pathogenesis during infection involves dynamic host-pathogen interactions, which dictate whether a disease manifests within the host. As biochemistry forms the foundation of these host-pathogen interactions, it is anticipated that a deeper understanding of pathogens will not only engender the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, but will also unveil new frontiers in biochemistry. In this symposium, young and mid-career researchers in the fields of bacteriology, virology, and parasitology will be invited, and we anticipate active discussions encompassing a wide range of pathogen research.

Hirofumi Watanabe（Division of Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kidney Research Center, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences）
Akihito Hishikawa（Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Keio University School of Medicine）
Takashige Kuwabara（Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences）
Fumiaki Ando（Department of Nephrology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University）
Tsuyoshi Inoue（Department of Physiology of Visceral function and Body Fluid, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University）

The kidney is an important organ in the excretion of waste products and in the maintenance of homeostasis throughout the body. The dysfunction of these cells ultimately leads to impaired renal function and renal failure. This symposium will focus on the characteristics of various cells in the kidney and the mechanisms of their damage, and will introduce cutting-edge research aimed at elucidating the pathophysiology of renal diseases. The Japanese Society of Nephrology believes that it is important to broaden the base of renal research. This symposium is designed to introduce new findings in renal research to the members of the Japanese Biochemical Society and to encourage their interest and participation in research on nephrology.