1AS-01

December 1 (Wed) 09：00～11：15

‘Messenger' RNA: Drug Target and Vaccine

E

Organizer: Akila Mayeda(Fujita Health University), Adrian R. Krainer (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

We focus on translational research related to mRNA, including therapeutics development for infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. mRNA vaccines are now being rapidly and effectively deployed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their design, synthesis, optimization, and formulation will be discussed, e.g., how to avoid immune rejection of the foreign nucleic acid. mRNA can also serve as the target for antisense-oligonucleotide (ASO) and small-molecule drugs. ASOs can be designed to trigger degradation of the mRNA target or to alter how the mRNA is processed from its precursor; ‘Spinraza', e.g., modulates alternative splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA and has been used to treat >11,000 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients worldwide. A small-molecule drug, ‘Evrysdi', was recently approved to target the same splicing event in SMA. Small molecules can be designed to selectively destroy target mRNAs or to alter their processing. Both platforms will be discussed for various therapeutic applications.

1AS-02

December 1 (Wed) 09：00～11：15

Toward a new era for primate developmental biology Co-hosted by: A new foundation for primate developmental biology

E

Organizer: Tomonori Nakamura(Kyoto University), Yasuhiro Takashima (Kyoto University)

Due to ethical issues, human development has been inferred primarily from the findings in mice. Many of them have been extrapolated to humans on the basis of high homology between species, but we are entering an era in which species differences cannot be overlooked. Therefore, the importance of research using evolutionally closer organism to human, such as non-human primates, has increased rapidly. At this symposium co-sponsored by Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Area type B "Primate developmental biology", we will present the latest achievements and bring together leading national and international young scientists in the field of primate development. And we will also discuss the future of research using non-human primates toward understanding human development.

1AS-03

December 1 (Wed) 09：00～11：15

Mitochondria link higher-ordered biological functions and medical sciences

E

Organizer: Naotada Ishihara(Osaka University), Kazuto Nakada (University of Tsukuba)

Mitochondria are double membrane organelles with their own DNA, essential for not only energy production, but also play pivotal roles in cellular signaling, thus mitochondria also have important roles in various diseases. In this symposium, recent advances in molecular understanding for bridging basic sciences with mitochondrial medicine will be discussed.

1AS-04

December 1 (Wed) 09：00～11：15

The common mechanism for regulation of genome maintenance by DNA structural dynamics

E

Organizer: Kazutoshi Kasho(Kyushu University), Tsutomu Katayama (Kyushu University)

Genomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotic organelles form unique complexes called nucleoids, which sustain highly flexible DNA dynamics including formation of specific structures like G-quadruplex etc. as seen also for eukaryotes. Regulatory roles for various DNA dynamics in a variety of genome functions such as DNA replication and maintenance are evolutionally conserved. In this symposium, we summarize cutting-edge studies on regulation of DNA dynamics in various species to address the common mechanism.

1AS-05

December 1 (Wed) 09：00～11：15

Brain functions enhanced by intercellular communication: new-found reciprocity of astrocytes and neurons

E

Organizer: Nariko Arimura(National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry), Tetsuya Takano (Keio University)

In recent years, the traditional concepts in the neuroscience field, “Astrocytes help connect the neurons", are undergoing a major change to “Astrocyte-neuron makes brain functions". Recent emerging evidence suggests that the mutual communication between astrocytes and neurons plays a critical role in each other's morphogenesis and functional performance, maintenance, and the onset of many neuropsychiatric disorders. In this symposium, we would like to invite researchers who have led these paradigm shifts globally and up-and-coming researchers to discuss the latest fascinating knowledge and prospects in the correlation between astrocytes and neuronal circuits in the brain.

1AS-16

December 1 (Wed) 09：00～11：15

Chromosome, chromatin, and nuclear dynamics in sexual reproduction Co-hosted by: Grant-in Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Area Replication of Non Genome

E

Organizer: Kei-ichiro Ishiguro(Kumamoto University), Satoshi Namekawa (University of California, Davis)

Sexual reproduction accompanies specific changes in chromosome, chromatin, and nuclear dynamics over broad range of species. In this symposium, we will discuss chromosome/chromatin/nuclear dynamics from different aspects of sexual reproduction, such as germ cell differentiation, meiosis, sex determination, and fertilization.

1AS-17

December 1 (Wed) 09：00～11：15

Data science and machine learning: Tackling the Noise and Heterogeneity of the Real World

E

Organizer: Eiryo Kawakami(RIKEN), Shinya Kuroda (The University of Tokyo )

In recent years, data-driven approach has rapidly been introduced to biomedical research. Unlike laboratory data, real-world data, which is the target of data-driven research, is uncontrolled and full of noise and heterogeneity. In this symposium, we will focus on data science and machine learning, which are essential for exploring real-world data and conducting knowledge discovery, and introduce state-of-the-art analyses and technologies.

1PS-16

December 1 (Wed) 15：45～18：00

Biodiversity for Exciting Discoveries

E

Organizer: Tetsuya Higashiyama(The University of Tokyo / Nagoya University)

There are a wide variety of species on earth. On the other hand, in advancing molecular biology, we have to rely on a limited number of model organisms. However, recent technological developments related to “ome” analysis and genome editing are breaking down that barrier. Researchers have a great deal of freedom in discovering new mechanisms from biodiversity itself and utilizing unique non-model organisms. At this symposium, we would like to enjoy the unique research of the speakers who are advancing research utilizing biodiversity.

1PS-17

December 1 (Wed) 15：45～18：00

RNA in Nuclear Architecture and Chromatin Organization

E

Organizer: Hitoshi Kurumizaka(The University of Tokyo), Yuka Iwasaki (Keio University)

Various features of the nuclear architecture and chromatin organization, including LLPS (liquid-liquid phase separation) formation and chromatin conformation, are essential to regulate nuclear processes, such as gene transcription and expression. In addition to multiprotein-chromatin complexes, RNA has been shown to play a key role within this process. Here, we discuss recent studies that have provided insight into the interplay between nuclear architecture, chromatin organization, and gene expression.

2AS-01

December 2 (Thu) 09：00～11：15

Frontiers in Sleep and Hibernation Research

E

Organizer: Masashi Yanagisawa(University of Tsukuba)

Sleep and hibernation (torpor) represent a highly regulated state of inactivity in animals. Many fundamental questions remain mysterious in the field: “Why is sleep essential in all animals with nervous system?” “How does sleep need accumulate during wakefulness?” “How is hibernation regulated?” “Can we induce a hibernation-like state in non-hibernating species?” “How sleep/wake and hibernation interact with each other?” This symposium introduces some of cutting-edge investigations into these tempting questions.

2AS-02

December 2 (Thu) 09：00～11：15

Breakthroughs in the ubiquitin research accelerated by chemo-technologies Co-hosted by: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas "New frontier for ubiquitin biology driven by chemo-technologies"

E

Organizer: Yasushi Saeki(Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science), Mikihiko Naito (The University of Tokyo)

Protein ubiquitylation is an essential post-translational modification that regulates nearly every cellular function. Encouraged by recent progresses in ubiquitin-targeting drug discovery, ubiquitin research has widely been expanded by interdisciplinary collaboration with chemical approaches. In this symposium, we will present cutting-edge ubiquitin research using chemical probes as well as targeted protein degradation technologies and discuss future directions of the ubiquitin field.

2AS-03

December 2 (Thu) 09：00～11：15

Epigenetic botanical garden-towards next stage

E

Organizer: Yuichiro Watanabe(The University of Tokyo), Reina Komiya (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University)

Once plants face environmental changes in the fields, expression of various genes would change epigenetically, and as a result, show adaptative phenotypes. Interesting molecular events that involve DNA/histone modification and non-coding RNAs have been reported in many resistance events or developmental stages. We would like to discuss whether plants can employ such molecular machinery in order to confront adverse living condition from the first or they make a population of cell groups with randomly modified gene expressions and wait for the adaptant to fit in the situation.

2AS-04

December 2 (Thu) 09：00～11：15

Parametric Biology Based on Translation Rate Control Supported by: Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (B) Parametric Translation

E

Organizer: Masao Doi(Kyoto University), Yoshie Harada (Osaka University)

Translation has long been considered a static process, like a conveyor belt. However, such a stereotype is now challenged. Recent innovations of Ribo-seq, which counts the numbers of ribosomes along mRNA, and the idea of RNA modification, subcellular translational regulation, and liquid-liquid phase separation by RNA-protein assembly, are beginning to reveal dynamic nature of protein translation. New knowledge and techniques of translation speed control will be thoroughly discussed with overseas speakers.

2AS-05

December 2 (Thu) 09：00～11：15

Vascular Network System as a Frontline in Biological Defense Co-hosted by: Japanese Vascular Biology and Medicine Organization

E

Organizer: Tetsuro Watabe(Tokyo Medical and Dental University), Masayuki Yoshida (Tokyo Medical and Dental University)

Blood vessels are distributed throughout the body and play important roles in maintaining the homeostasis of the living body. Recent findings that cardiovascular diseases are risk factors for progression in COVID-19 patients and that COVID-19 can cause cardiovascular disorders suggest that control of the vascular system is important in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. At this symposium, researchers who are promoting pioneering research on vascular homeostasis and inflammatory response will introduce the latest findings, and will discuss how to fight against emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 from a point of view in vascular biology and medicine.

2AS-16

December 2 (Thu) 09：00～11：15

Fetomaternal interactions in development

E

Organizer: Toshihiko Fujimori(National Institute for Basic Biology), Guojun Sheng (Kumamoto University)

Interactions between the embryo and the maternal environment are essential for embryonic development in mammals. In this symposium, we will focus on the interactions and functions of extraembryonic tissues supporting the feto-environmental interactions. It would be a nice chance for MBSJ members to think about the importance of fetomaternal interactions for embryonic development.

2AS-17

December 2 (Thu) 09：00～11：15

Phagocytic Transdifferentiation: A Novel Insight into Evolution and Cell Diversity

E

Organizer: Sho Morioka(Gifu University), Kumiko Tsukui (National Institute of Infectious Diseases)

Recent studies highlight a new form of cell-cell communication via various forms of phagocytosis including cell nibbling, or trogocytosis. Cells "share information" by nibbling or taking up whole neighboring cells in distinction from traditional ligand-receptor-mediated signal transduction. This session will uniquely discuss how this special form of cell-cell communication, which we term as “Phagocytic Transdifferentiation", promotes long-term functional alterations in phagocytic cells, not just transient reactions to environmental stimuli. The exciting scope of this session will include various forms of phagocytosis such as bacteria, immune cells, and cancer cells and we will introduce the previously unrecognized importance of Phagocytic Transdifferentiation in promoting evolution and cell diversity.

2PS-16

December 2 (Thu) 15：45～18：00

Molecular bases of membrane remodeling and organization

E

Organizer: Shiro Suetsugu(Nara Institute of Science and Technology), Tetsuya Takeda (Okayama University)

Cells and subcellular organelles exhibit unique shapes adapted to their respective functions that dynamically change as cells divide, differentiate, migrate and invade, as well as in infection of pathogens. The dynamic morphological changes of cells and organelles require membrane remodelings such as deformation, fission, and fusion, through the functions of the membrane-binding proteins. Defective membrane remodeling is linked to the pathogenesis of diseases, including cancer and congenital diseases. In this symposium, we will present and discuss the new findings on molecular mechanisms of membrane remodeling and related pathogenesis.

2PS-17

December 2 (Thu) 15：45～18：00

Technology, genomics, computational biology approach towards ncRNA functions

E

Organizer: Piero Carninci(RIKEN)

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential role in biological phenomena by folding into complex structures and functioning by interacting with other RNAs, DNA and proteins. However, their functional mechanisms are not broadly studied. In this session, we will discuss the functional mechanisms of ncRNAs with new technologies that allow us to analyze their modification, structures, spatial positioning and interactions.

3AS-01

December 3 (Fri) 09：00～11：15

Continuity of the life and Aging

E

Organizer: Takehiko Kobayashi(The University of Tokyo), Akiko Takahashi (Cancer Institute)

The life of organisms has three stages: development, inheritance and aging. Inheritance is the period of reproduction that supports the continuity of life, while aging attenuates and leads it to termination. In this symposium, the transition will be considered from the latest research on the molecular mechanisms of maintenance of stem cells, and cellular and individual aging.

3AS-02

December 3 (Fri) 09：00～11：15

Physical properties of biomolecules in human life and diseases

E

Organizer: Fumiyo Ikeda(Kyushu University), Makoto Kinoshita (Nagoya University)

Biomolecules regulate various biological phenomena by changing their physical properties via dynamic association, dissociation, and aggregation. Open questions are regulatory mechanisms and common principles underlying their physical changes, and fate determinants that separate physiological and pathological conditions. In this session, we will discuss recent examples found in cells in health and disease.

3AS-03

December 3 (Fri) 09：00～11：15

Novel approaches combining 3-dimensional biology and cutting-edge technologies to analyze tumor tissues toward the conquest of cancer

E

Organizer: Noriko Gotoh(Kanazawa University), Koji Okamoto (National Cancer Center Research Institute)

Around 40 years have passed since cancer became the leading cause of death in Japan. We still have a long way to realize healthy life without fear of cancer. In this symposium, we would like to introduce novel biology by using organoids or spheroids which recapitulate tumor tissues in vitro and cutting-edge research by using novel technologies which enable us to analyze tumor tissues by super high resolution. We also would like to discuss how we approach to conquer cancer in a near future.

3AS-04

December 3 (Fri) 09：00～11：15

Mechanisms of intracellular clearance and pathogenesis caused by its disruption

E

Organizer: Hideki Nishitoh(University of Miyazaki), Akira Kobayashi (Doshisha University)

Elimination of dispensable molecules is the essential cellular event. Stressed cells are able to survive and function properly by degrading various molecules such as RNA, proteins, lipids, and metabolites through the intracellular signaling pathways. Disruption of these degradation pathways leads to various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and metabolic diseases. In this symposium, we would like to discuss the mechanism of intracellular clearance and the molecular mechanism of diseases based on its disruption.

3AS-05

December 3 (Fri) 09：00～11：15

One small step, one giant leap: impacts of molecules and fluctuations on plant development Co-hosted by: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas "Periodicity and its Modulation in Plants"

E

Organizer: Minako Ueda(Tohoku University), Misato Ohtani (The University of Tokyo)

In development of organisms, subtle changes in intracellular elements, such as molecular behaviors and rhythmic fluctuations, often lead to morphological alteration at tissue and body levels. This symposium features talks on cutting-edge research topics on the roles of intracellular behaviors and their modulation in plant morphogenesis and adaptation to internal and external cues. Through the talks and discussion, we aim to discover novel principles in plant development.

3AS-17

December 3 (Fri) 09：00～11：15

Regulation of hypometabolism and hypothermia in and around hibernation Co-hosted by: Transformative Research Areas (B) Mammalian hibernation biology ~ survival strategies via hypometabolism and hypothermia

E

Organizer: Genshiro Sunagawa(RIKEN), Yoshifumi Yamaguchi (Hokkaido University)

Hibernation is a natural power-saving mode of mammals. Animals sacrifice some vital functions to save energy. One of them is the thermoregulatory system. The weakening of the core metabolic homeostasis induces hypometabolism and hypothermia, usually harmful in normal conditions. We will discuss how hypometabolism and hypothermia are linked and how the animals gain resistance to them.

3PS-02

December 3 (Fri) 15：45～18：00

Cell-cell communications generating “autonomy" in multicellular life systems

E

Organizer: Tohru Ishitani(Osaka University), Tatsushi Igaki (Kyoto University)

A definite difference between life systems and inanimate objects is that only the former possesses the autonomy which can build up and optimize its structure and function. However, it remains unclear how the autonomy is generated and this has become one of the biggest questions in the life science. In this symposium, we will introduce the cutting-edge researches tackling the logic for generating autonomy in multicellular life systems, using the innovative multidisciplinary approaches.

3PS-16

December 3 (Fri) 15：45～18：00

Digital transformation for fighting against emerging infectious diseases Supported by: Moonshot Research & Development Program "Understanding and Control of Virus-Human Interaction Networks"

E

Organizer: Teppei Shimamura(Nagoya University), Shingo Iwami (Nagoya University)

After world wide spread of COVID-19, we faced several difficulties for the control of infectious diseases and the management of social crisis. Scientific-based quantitative knowledge is essential for us to understand the spread dynamics both between and within host level. This symposium will address what we have learned about the biology, transmissibility and spread of infectious diseases. In particular, we like to provide talks on cutting-edge technologies for fighting against emerging infectious diseases from perspectives on digital transformation. Finally, we will explore how this technology might be applied to better prepare for, prevent and respond to future pandemics.

3PS-17

December 3 (Fri) 15：45～18：00

Synthetic Embryology - Bottom-up approaches to study human & animal development

E

Organizer: Mitinori Saitou(Kyoto University), Cantas Alev (Kyoto University)

Synthetic embryology is an emerging field of life-science research which utilizes stem cells and avanced bioengineering approaches to reconstruct distinct aspects of developmental biology and embryonic development in vitro. Being able to reconstitute in a bottom-up approach developmental processes in vitro from stem cells opens up new and exciting opportunities for studying and understanding early embryonic development in human and other mammalian species. Such synthetic developmental biology oriented studies range from PSC-based models of pre- and peri-gastrulation development to novel stem cell based models of human and animal organogenesis and tissue formation. Our symposium will bring together leading national and international scientists in the field of synthetic embryology to discuss the latest developments in this exciting new field at the cross roads of developmental biology and stem cell research.