List of Workshops
| * | How to Read the Session Numbers Date + Workshop (W) + Room (ex.) 2W8: Day 2 Workshop Room 8 |
December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30
December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30
December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30
December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30
December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30
December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30
December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30
December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30
| 1W5 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Basic technology, science and practice of drug re-positioning strategy
| Organizers : | Tohru Natsume (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) |
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The number of drugs reaching the marketplace each year is decreasing, mainly due to the unexpected adverse effects of potential drugs being revealed in clinical trials. Thus, we have proposed a new strategy for drug discovery and development (drug re-positioning), which focuses on the use of existing medicines for alternative indications. In this strategy, target molecules and pharmacological activities of approved medicines are extensively and comprehensively examined by the latest technology or compounds with clinically beneficial pharmacological activity are screened from a library of medicines already in clinical use. The advantage of this strategy is that there is a decreased risk for unexpected adverse effects in humans because the safety aspects of these drugs have already been well characterized. We could also improve the efficiency of drug development by reducing the enormous amount of time, money and energy that goes into getting a product to market, because previously obtained data and already established technologies (such as pre-clinical tests and production of drug formulations in accordance with good manufacturing practice) can be re-used for such purposes. In this symposium, we introduce latest technologies useful for drug re-positioning, application of clinical data of disease for drug re-positioning, successful example of drug re-positioning and regulatory science for drug re-positioning.
| 1W6 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Toward a Drug Design by a Collaborative Efforts of Molecular Biology and Structural Life Science
| Organizers : | Kei Yura (Ochanomizu University) / Toshiya Senda (Institute of Materials Structure Science) |
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"Platform for Drug Discovery, Informatics, and Structural Life Sciences", hereafter referred to as PDIS, is a national project in structural biology and related research areas. PDIS inherits and expands the former projects by developing and sharing the technologies and facilities for research related to drug discovery and aims to pave a way for novel, steady and rapid processes for drug discovery. For this purpose, PDIS supports basic life science research outside PDIS that may lead to drug development without any charge. To provide a wide range of support, PDIS consists of Analysis Core, Screening Core and Informatics Core. A support application is managed by a team in the most appropriate Core, sometimes as a joint venture, so that the research will be accelerated. We will present some of the results obtained in PDIS in this workshop, and would like more members of MBSJ to utilize the PDIS support to pioneer a new research area "structural life science".
| 1W7 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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Physiological Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Polysulfides (H2Sn) as signaling molecules
| Organizers : | Hideo Kimura (National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry) / Noriyuki Nagahara (Nippon Medical School) |
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Two decades ago, a mere pungent gas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was found to be a physiological mediator of neuromodulation, vascular tone, cytoprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidative stress, anti-inflammation,angiogenesis and oxygen sensor etc. Enzymes that produce H2S, such as cystathionine b-synthase, cystathionine g-lyase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase have been intensively studied and well characterized. Polysulfides (H2Sn), which have a higher number of inner sulfur atoms than that in H2S, were recently identified as potential signaling molecules that can activate TRPA1 channels, induce the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus to upregulate antioxidant genes, regulate a tumor suppressor PTEN, and control blood pressure by relaxing vasculature. This workshop focuses on the production, function of these molecules and their analyses.
| 1W8 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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Reconsideration of amyloid: the past and future
| Organizers : | Naomi Hachiya (Tokyo Medical University) / Eri Chatani (Kobe University) |
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The word of "amyloid" was firstly used in the mid 19th century to describe the deposit in liver at autopsy. From that time to date, researchers have been solved a lot of mysteries of amyloid genesis in vivo and in vitro. In addition to above, the developments of various study techniques, which are reflected by rapid progress of science enable us to reveal the more detailed molecular mechanism of it. The study of amyloid-related diseases also have been carried out energetically, there are already effective therapeutic drugs for patients with amyloidosis. However, despite our growing knowledge, much about the true characterization of amyloid still remains unknown. Moreover, the connection of basic and clinical researches has little even now. In this workshop, we will take advantage of an opportunity to discuss about amyloid beyond the specialized field, and expecting the new synergy effects from this.
| 1W9 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 9 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kikusui Main Building B1F) |
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Current research on the diversity of toxins "The Structure, Function, Evolution, and Application"
| Organizers : | Sakae Kitada (Kyushu Institute of Technology) / Takahito Chijiwa (Sojo University) |
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From mammalian to microorganisms, a wide variety of living organisms produce the toxins and/or the venom. Their structures are highly diverged from low molecular weight peptides produced by insects to high weight molecular proteins of snake venom and the type of target cells or organisms are also jumbled. Though a lot of toxins and/or venom are around us, little of their intrinsic functions and mechanisms are elucidated except for some case of the direct causes of disasters for human and domestics. Furthermore, it is noteworthy to think the roles which the toxins or the venom have played on the survivals and the evolution of organisms because there are so many non-toxic organisms on the earth. On the other hands, the toxins and venom which are well-studied draw attentions as the useful biomaterials in the fields of life science, such as medicines, health and cosmetics. In this workshop, the latest researches on the many-sided issues about the toxins and the venom about the structures, the functions, the evolution, and the applications for life sciences, are discussed.
| 1W10 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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Structural properties and intracellular function of helical repeat proteins
| Organizers : | Kodai Hara (Shizuoka Prefectural University) / Shige H. Yoshimura (Kyoto University) |
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Helical repeat proteins are composed of tandem arrays of a-helices and account for more than 5 % of annotated proteins in humans. They are classified into several structural motifs such as Armadillo (ARM) repeat, Tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR), HEAT repeat, and pumilio homology domain (PUM-HD or PUF). These motifs, as well as other variants (Leucine-rich repeat, LRR), have been considered to be involved in protein-protein interactions by using their unique structural flexibility. Despite their structural similarity, they participate in a large variety of cellular processes such as intracellular protein transport, chromosome condensation and segregation, signal transduction and cytoskeletal dynamics. In this workshop, we focus on this large group of helical repeat proteins and attempt to deduce a common theme of their fundamental structural properties and cellular functions. We combine experts from various research fields such as biophysics, protein crystallography, molecular biology and cellular biology, especially focusing on i) structural properties at molecular and atomic levels, ii) intermolecular interaction within a large protein complex, and iii) involvement in cellular processes.
| 1W11 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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Novel strategies toward understanding mechanisms that lead to refractory cancer
| Organizers : | Satoshi Inoue (The University of Tokyo) / Koji Okamoto (National Cancer Center Research Institute) |
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In spite of recent progress in understanding of molecular mechanisms of cancer, many types of refractory cancer still don't respond to existing chemotherapeutic agents, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Novel technologies, such as single cell analyses or comprehensive functional analyses by next-generation sequencers, may be necessary to make breakthrough discoveries for effective cancer therapy. We will discuss how these novel technologies should be applied in order to understand mechanisms of acquiring resistance to cancer therapies.
| 1W12 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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Molecular mechanism for the cyclic tissue regeneration and differentiation of somatic stem cell, and the relative microenvironments.
| Organizers : | Tokuro Iwabuchi (Tokyo University of Technology) |
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Some organ and tissue, such as digestive tract, epidermis, blood, hair, nail, are repeatedly regenerated in organisms. Somatic stem cells are supplying differentiated cells into the organs and tissues throughout life. Dermal-epidermal interaction also has important role in the systems. Microenvironments for maintain and timings for differentiation of the stem cells are essential for the cyclic regeneration, however, the molecular mechanism for the systems has not been clarified. Recently, it has been described that some molecules or hypoxic condition are relative to these systems. In the cyclic regeneration system, there are still remaining many unknown mechanisms, however, we have to believe that some recent knowledge will lead us to a new science. In this workshop, we will share recent scientific findings and discuss the future of this field.
| 1W13 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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The single-cell biology
| Organizers : | Akira Watanabe (Kyoto University) / Etsuo A. Susaki (The University of Tokyo, RIKEN) |
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In multicellular organisms, a variety of different cell types work together to produce behavior beyond the capacity of a single cell. Investigating the diversity of cells in a tissue - whether different cell types or noise between similar cells - is important to understanding tissue- and organism-level biological phenomena. Recent technologies including single-cell RNA-sequencing and mass-spectrometry, and whole-organism imaging with single-cell resolution facilitate bottom-up understanding of cells within the context of a tissue or organ. We will discuss the development and perspective of these single-cell methods in this workshop.
| 1W16 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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Diverse functions executed by the iron-sulfur proteins
| Organizers : | Yasuhiro Takahashi (Saitama University) / Kei Wada (University of Miyazaki) |
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Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins that contain an Fe-S cluster as prosthetic group execute a huge spectrum of biochemical tasks including the electron transport (e.g. respiratory complexes and the photosynthetic reaction center) and the regulation of gene expression. The versatile characteristics of the Fe-S cluster allow their widespread use in virtually all living organisms. The most common Fe-S clusters have the forms of [4Fe-4S], [3Fe-4S] and [2Fe-2S], and occasionally, more sophisticated clusters that include the other metals are also known. The variety of physiological functions of Fe-S proteins are derived from the remarkable diversity of the protein environment of the clusters. This symposium covers a variety of topics regarding the recent findings and advances in the biochemistry and the structural biology of Fe-S proteins and its functions.
| 1W19 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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Proteomics: Current technologies and beyond
| Organizers : | Hiroyuki Kaji (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) / Koji Ueda (The University of Tokyo) |
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Twenty years has passed since a term "proteome" was first proposed. The proteome is defined as the entire set of proteins expressed by a genome in a given cell, tissue, or organism. At that time, it took up considerable time and work to identify one hundred protein spots on an electrophoresis gel. Currently, we can identify and quantify over ten thousand proteins at a single analysis owing to the advancements in separation technologies and mass spectrometers (MS). Proteomic analysis of single-cell has become practicable with increased sensitivity of MS. In this workshop, we invite the speakers who are on the leading edge of proteomics technologies to introduce the biological view beyond the current technologies, and discuss the future of proteomics.
| 1W20 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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Mechanisms of cerebral corticogenesis through regulation of the cellular behaviors
| Organizers : | Kazunori Nakajima (Keio University) / Chiaki Ohtaka-Maruyama (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of medical Science) |
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The mammalian neocortex is a highly organized structure underlying higher brain functions such as cognition, learning, and memory. It consists of a 6-layer structure with an inside-out pattern that is formed by radial neuronal migration of newborn neurons that continuously bypass the preceding differentiated and migrated neurons. Since neurons are born and polarized in the deeper part of the developing brain and migrate toward the pial surface, proper regulation is crucial, the impairment of which results in various disorders such as brain malformation or psychiatric diseases. Our understanding of how this mammalian-specific complex structure is organized has advanced recently. To understand the mechanisms of corticogenesis is crucial not only for the elucidation of the pathological mechanisms of brain malformation or psychiatric disorders, but also essential for basic research on exploring the possibility of brain regenerative medicine. The aim of this workshop is to deepen our understanding and to activate this research field by providing the recent topics on cortical cell differentiation, migration, axon pathfinding, and the pathogenesis of neuronal migration disorders by discussing from various standpoints.
| 1W21 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 21 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 504 + Room 505 5F) |
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Science Communication Skills Training Programs
| Organizers : | Kei Kano (Shiga University) / Mikihito Tanaka (Waseda University) |
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Several organizations such as AAAS in USA, The Royal Society in UK or Australian National University have offered science communication trainingprograms.In Japan, recently, science communication activities have been more active especially in big research and development projects in response to social needs. Furthermore, accountability would be more needed from the viewpoint of rebuilding public trust.In this situation, JST has offered communication training opportunities for scientists to communicate with the society more positively. In this workshop, we will explain our science communication training program including "Basic Course of Science Communication," "Media Training," "Dialogue Skills Training." Participants will try them as well. Please come to our workshop!
| 1W22 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 22 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room2A 2F) |
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Principles of interference between environment and individuals during development that optimize their healthy status
| Organizers : | Takeo Kubota (University of Yamanashi) |
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Recent studies have shown that hyponutrition during fetal period and mental stress during infancy may be associated with increase of metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, which period of exposure and how much of stress promote optimal individual development and establish optimal healthy status have not been elucidated, although understanding of epigenomic regulation mechanism and neuro-endocrinological aspects has been advanced. In this workshop, we introduce possible underlying mechanisms such as that defect in epigenomic molecule MeCP2 induces astrocytic character in neurons during differentiation, that blood sugar induces BRD4-histone acetylation mediated RNA elongation, that fetal environment fluctuates individual robustness during development, that fetal hyponutrition causes postnatal behavior problems, and that glucocorticoid regulation in the fetal brain may promote postnatal learning and exercise abilities. These findings will contribute to determine the fetal and infantile conditions to optimize healthy status and can offer fundamental suggestion to determine culture media of fertilized eggs in assisted reproductive technology and to establish better social and educational environment.
| 1W24 | December 1 (Tue) 9:00-11:30 Room 24 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room3A 3F) |
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Revisiting the enzymes and their complexes involved in RNA regulations
| Organizers : | Akio Kanai (Keio University) / Ui-Tei Kumiko (The University of Tokyo) |
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It has been almost 10 years since scientists became aware of the importance of a huge numbers of functional RNAs. In the decade, many papers revealed the outstanding features of newly discovered RNAs: long non-coding RNAs, miRNAs in Eukaryote, and small RNAs in Prokaryote. It should be noted that functional RNAs generally do not work in isolation, but interact with enzyme complexes. This aspect is also true for the mRNAs as well as for classical non-coding RNAs such as tRNAs and rRNAs. Therefore, in this workshop, we focus on the analysis of enzyme complexes involved in RNA regulations at both single molecule and system levels, including genome, transcriptome or proteome analysis, for understanding the higher biological functions.
| 1W2-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 2 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 1 Main Building B1F) |
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The molecular basis for chromosome structure and function
| Organizers : | Junko Kanoh (Osaka University) / Tatsuo Fukagawa (Osaka University) |
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In any organisms chromosomes must be maintained at each cell-cycle through DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Chromosomes contain special domains, such as centromeres, telomeres, and replication origins, which play critical roles for chromosome stability. Furthermore, various proteins such as condensin and cohesin organize chromosome structure and epigenetic regulations including histone modifications are also involved in chromosome integrity. Although recent progresses in each research area have revealed various mechanisms on each chromosome biology field, it is still unknown how chromosomes function as a whole system. To understand the basis for the chromosome structure and function as a whole system, we must clarify how each chromosome domain or function is coordinated each other. In this workshop, cutting-edge researchers in each chromosome biology field present their recent progress and discuss about the molecular basis to elucidate how chromosomes are organized to function as a whole system.
| 1W3-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 3 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 2 Main Building B1F) |
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Dynamic feature of multifaceted mitochondria in various biofunctions
| Organizers : | Naotada Ishihara (Kurume University) / Takumi Koshiba (Kyushu University) |
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Mitochondria are double membrane organelles, essential for not only energy production, but also play pivotal roles in regulating apoptosis, cellular homeostasis, and differentiation. The membrane structure and mtDNA dynamically change their morphology and distribution by their frequent fusion and fission, and the mitochondrial dynamics are coupled with regulation of the multifaceted organelles in various biofunctions. Recent research have been clarified the molecular basis of pathophysiological functions of mitochondria in vitro and in vivo. In this workshop, recent advances in the new mitochondrial research will be discussed.
| 1W4-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 4 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 3 Main Building B1F) |
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Collaborative Regulatory Mechanism between Cell Differentiation and Gene Expression in Eularyotic Cells
| Organizers : | Takashi Ito (Nagasaki University) / Yoshiaki Ohkuma (Nagasaki University) |
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Recently, elucidation of gene expression has been widely progressed at individual, cellular, and molecular levels. And since the report of the establishment of iPS cells in 2006, the importance of studies on the regulation of gene expression have been reminded. In case of iPS induction, since four transcription factors induce undifferentiated pluripotent cells from differentiated cells, it is widely recognized that gene expression is strictly regulated for cell differentiation. During this regulation of gene expression, its first step, transcription, is late limiting and is collaboratively regulated at the levels of both transcription and chromatin. These regulations play essential roles for maintenance of cell stemness, differentiation from stem cells to tissue cells like organ et al. Thus, we will discuss at this workshop through talks by domestic and international speakers elucidating those mechanisms at molecular level.
| 1W5-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Molecular Pathology of Rare Diseases
| Organizers : | Naomichi Matsumoto (Yokohama City University) / Katsuhiko Shirahige (The University of Tokyo) |
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Molecular mechanisms of many rare diseases remained to be determined. However, some of such rare diseases are caused by genetic alterations of genes affecting basic cellular processes, and the rare disease started attracting attention from many researchers. As a result, signaling-pathway specific treatment has become a feasible option for some of the rare diseases. In this symposium, we will introduce recent novel insights of rare disease research.
| 1W6-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Direct comparative studies between species unlock generality and diversity in various biological systems
| Organizers : | Takashi Takeuchi (Tottori University) / Toshihiko Shiroishi (National Institute of Genetics) |
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A long history of life science has established universal principles across various biological diversity. Generally, model organisms have been used in these studies. By contrast, there are various non-model organisms showing interesting properties on the earth. For example, the naked mole rats have cancer resistance, and newts show strong regenerative capacities. To compare these species (for example, newts and mice) directly and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the biodiversity will deepen the understanding of biological system (for example, regeneration). The significance of the biodiversity per se and evolution will also be understood well by comparing with biological generality. In this workshop, we will have several active talks using the strategy, and discuss the future direction and potential.
| 1W7-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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Molecular biology of NAD and FAD: Toward an understanding of multifaceted functions of water-soluble vitamins
| Organizers : | Yasukazu Nakahata (Nara Institute of Science and Technology) / Shinjiro Hino (Kumamoto University) |
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Research on water-soluble vitamins has profoundly contributed to developing an integrative view of biochemistry and physiology. Recently, NAD and FAD, which are biosynthesized from niacin and riboflavin, respectively, have been shown to play diverse biological roles. The speakers will introduce their recent advance in the research on these metabolites including intracellular dynamics, transcriptional/epigenetic functions and protein regulations. We would like to provide a chance to discuss an integration of biochemistry and molecular cell biology.
| 1W8-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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The availability of polyamines on human diseases and health
| Organizers : | Noriyuki Murai (The Jikei University School of Medicine) / Mitsuharu Matsumoto (Kyodo Milk Industry Co., Ltd. Research Laboratories) |
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Polyamines are bioactive substances which are not only essential for cell growth but also involved in various biological phenomena. Polyamines have been reported to correlate with cancer because it was known that polyamine level in cancer is frequently high. In recent years, it has been reported that the change in intracellular polyamines, its metabolite level and its regulations are involved in several diseases and aging. However, there are few opportunities to discuss about availability of polyamines on human diseases and health. In this workshop, to discuss the way to use polyamines, its metabolite and related factors for prevention and therapy of diseases and anti-aging, we will introduce the recent studies showed that those are important factor for a wide range of diseases and prevention of aging. In concrete terms, we will introduce as follows, correlation of polyamines with cancer, cerebral infarction and diabetes, availability of using polyamine metabolite as clinical marker of diseases, effects of polyamines on anti-aging for mammals and biological effects of polyamines derived from enterobacteria.
| 1W9-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 9 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kikusui Main Building B1F) |
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Zinc Signaling
| Organizers : | Toshiyuki Fukada (Tokushima Bunri University) / Taiho Kambe (Kyoto University) |
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The essential trace element zinc is widely required in cellular functions, and abnormal zincion (Zn2+) homeostasis causes a variety of problems in all organisms. Zn2+ homeostasis is regulated through Zn transporters and metallothioneins. In addition to structural and catalytic components, recent studies highlight Zn2+'s dynamic action and its role as a signaling mediator. Zn2+ acts as an intra- and intercellular signaling factor, called Zinc signal, capable of communicating between cells, converting extracellular stimuli to intracellular signals, and controlling intracellular and extracellular events. We will address recent findings in zinc signaling-related biological consequences, including signaling, homeostasis, detection, and diseases, and discuss the future directions and questions underlying zinc signaling in molecular and physiological basis.
| 1W10-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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Sex chromosomes and epigenetics
| Organizers : | Takashi Sado (Kinki University) / Masako Tada (Tottori University) |
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Sex chromosomes, which are derived from ancestral autosomes, have acquired unique regulatory mechanisms for their chromosome activity, which are distinct from those for the autosomes. Defects of such mechanisms in embryos or germ cells often deteriorate their development. This suggests the importance of the mechanisms that regulate the balance in gene expression not only between the sex chromosomes but also between the sex chromosome and a set of autosomes for the normal cellular function. Epigenetics plays an important role in those mechanisms brought about by the presence of the sex chromosomes such as dosage compensation. In this workshop, we will discuss epigenetic regulations of the sex chromosomes in XX/XY and ZZ/ZW sex chromosome systems and compare them with those of autosomes for our further understanding of their functional divergence and the regulation of chromosome activity.
| 1W11-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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The Ubiquitin System Unraveling New Biological Phenomena
| Organizers : | Takumi Kamura (Nagoya University) / Shigetsugu Hatakeyama (Hokkaido University) |
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Ubiquitination is a reaction in which ubiquitin, a small protein in eukaryotes composed of highly conserved 76 amino acids, is conjugated to a target protein. Ubiquitination plays a crucial role in various biological processes such as cell cycle progression, signal transduction, transcription and endocytosis. Ubiquitination used to be regarded solely as a signal for a proteasome directed proteolysis, but recent studies have shown that polyubiquitn chains formed on target proteins show structural diversity, as in M1, K11, K48, K63 linked chains and this structural diversity is shown to be related with various non-proteolytic functions. Moreover, function of target proteins is being shown to be controlled by the balance between ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes. In this workshop, we would like to raise and discuss a wide range of cutting-edge topics about biological processes controlled by the ubiquitin system from basic research to the context of diseases.
| 1W12-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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Viral sequences integrated in the genomes: function and evolution
| Organizers : | Kenji K. Kojima (The University of Tokyo) |
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Viral sequences integrated in eukaryotic genomes have been considered to be just for retroviruses, which encode reverse transcriptase, but recent comprehensive analyses revealed various types of viruses in eukaryotic genomes. On the other hand, in prokaryotes, prophages, that are integrated viruses, are well recognized. In this workshop, we would like to discuss about the biological functions and evolutionary contributions of genome-integrated viruses.
| 1W13-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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Basic and applied researches of a wide range of bio-related molecules toward practical applications
| Organizers : | Satoshi Akanuma (Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences) / Ryoichi Arai (Shinshu University) |
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Biomolecular engineering research fields such as biotechnology, chemical biology, DNA and RNA engineering, protein engineering, evolutionary molecular engineering and synthetic biology have been established. However, further new ideas, novel fields, and technical innovations are required for practical applications of bio-related molecules. In this workshop of BMB2015, speakers with a wide range of backgrounds will talk about not only the basic aspects but the possibilities of application. The workshop will develop new fields, discover problems and promote new collaborations.
| 1W14-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 14 (Kobe International Conference Center Main Hall 1F) |
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New insights into liquid biospy
| Organizers : | Takahiro Ochiya (National Cancer Center Research Institute) / Hidetoshi Tahara (Hiroshima University) |
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MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a family of short endogenous noncoding RNAs, play critical roles in cell growth, differentiation, and senescence, thus it greatly involved in the development of various types of cancers and many other diseases. Current studies have shown that miRNAs are present in the extracellular spaces, packaged into various membrane-bound vesicles named as extracellular vesicles (EVs). Remarkably, as a liquid biopsy, some studies have succeeded in discovering circulating miRNAs/EVs with prognostic or predictive significance. Here we discuss and introduce current knowledge and clinical application of miRNAs/EVs.
| 1W15-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 15 (Kobe International Conference Center International Conference Room 3F) |
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Gene therapy revived!
| Organizers : | Kohnosuke Mitani (Saitama Medical University) / Yasufumi Kaneda (Osaka University) |
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Gene therapy, which utilizes a gene as a drug, can be regarded as an ultimate application of biomedical research. Gene therapy has been applied, not only for inherited diseases but also for acquired diseases, such as cancer and viral infections, with various clinical successes. In 2012, the first gene therapy drug was approved in the European Union. In this workshop, we will discuss recent progresses of gene delivery technologies and their clinical applications.
| 1W16-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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Regulation of Proteostasis and Diseases
| Organizers : | Masafumi Yohda (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology) / Akira Nakai (Yamaguchi University) |
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Life activity is organized by the functions of various proteins. Stresses cause functional disorder of proteins or their network, which will result in diseases or death. Structure and function of proteins are precisely regulated during the life of proteins, from its birth to death. The homeostasis of proteins (also referred to as proteostasis) is regulated by various proteins including molecular chaperones and degradation systems. In this workshop, we invite lectures on the detailed molecular mechanisms of proteostasis and also the mechanisms of the onset of diseases caused by the collapse of proteostasis, such as cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disease or neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the details of diseases caused by the collapse of proteostasis, which will give a clue for the research to develop treatment methods for such diseases.
| 1W19-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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The novel microbial functions based on variety and specificity and their applications
| Organizers : | Hiroshi Takagi (Nara Institute of Science and Technology) / Michihiko Kobayashi (University of Tsukuba) |
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The research on microorganisms as the cell model for higher eukaryotes is the basis of Biology and has been contributed to "understanding" (basic biology) and "the application" (agriculture, engineering, pharmaceutical study). The microbe is also involved in various "manufacturing", but a few microbes are only used. In recent years, the microbe inhabiting under extreme environments such as high temperature or pressure has been isolated. Therefore, new life phenomena and cell functions are discovered and the molecular mechanisms or metabolic regulations are rapidly analyzed. In addition, the application to biotechnology using them is also expected. In this symposium, we will widely introduce the forefront topics on novel functions of "microorganisms" with variety and specificity at the molecular and metabolic levels using biochemical approaches. Also, we'd like to discuss the future perspectives for the development of microbial functions and their industrial applications.
| 1W20-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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Novel gene expression mechanisms regulating differentiation and circuit generation of neurons
| Organizers : | Shuya Fukai (The University of Tokyo) / Tomoyuki Yoshida (University of Toyama) |
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Recently, non-canonical gene expression mechanisms such as splicing of short exons (so-called 'microexons') and promoter choice have been reported to be critically important for regulating neuronal differentiation and circuit generation. It has been also suggested that misregulation of these gene expression mechanisms is closely related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorder. In this workshop, we will discuss new insights into such mechanisms from the molecular level to the behavioral level.
| 1W21-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 21 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 504 + Room 505 5F) |
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In situ structural biology for the investigation of eukaryotic intracellular protein behaviours
| Organizers : | Takanori Kigawa (RIKEN) / Yutaka Ito (Tokyo Metropolitan University) |
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Recent developments in NMR and molecular dynamics simulations are enabling us to investigate three-dimensional structures, dynamics, and interactions of proteins inside eukaryotic cells, thus revealing a realistic picture of proteins "at work" under macromolecular crowding effects. Explicit understanding of the structural bases of various biological events inside living eukaryotic cells will have a ripple effect on state-of-the-art medical technology, drug-discovery, etc., and greatly contribute to "Life innovation". In this workshop, recent works will be presented by the leading scientists in this filed.
| 1W22-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 22 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room2A 2F ) |
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RNA diseases
| Organizers : | Kinji Ohno (Nagoya University) / Hisao Ueyama (Shiga University of Medical Science) |
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RNA diseases are those caused by abnormal RNA processing. In such diseases, silent or missense mutations or those in internal introns cause aberrant splicing through destruction of exonic or intronic splicing enhancers or silencers. This workshop will deal recent progress in understanding of RNA diseases and their treatment.
| 1W24-p | December 1 (Tue) 14:00-16:30 Room 24 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room3A 3F) |
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The essential mechanisms to build up life from molecules: order formation by self-assembly/self-organization and the accompanied emergence
| Organizers : | Takashi Ohyama (Waseda University) / Yo Kikuchi (Waseda University) |
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The general assumption about the origin of life on Earth is that life was generated from inanimate matter through unimaginably long time evolution of chemical compounds. It is believed that, in the emergence of life, "self-assembly" and "self-organization" of molecules, which were based on their chemical and physical properties, and the accompanied "emergence" of new functions played essential roles. Therefore, to understand life, it seems indispensable to understand the principles and mechanisms of self-assembly and self-organization of life molecules and the emergence brought about by the former phenomena. In this context, the studies relevant to these issues have recently been rapidly promoted also in the field of molecular biology. In vitro construction of artificial cells, studies on self-assembly and/or self-organization of biopolymers and their complexes, and researches on emergence brought about by the increase in the complexities of biomolecules are such examples. Here, we would like to organize a workshop by picking up a number of pioneering and ambitious research papers, and to provide audiences with current knowledge into this exciting field and also stimulate discussion to address new frontiers.
| 2W5 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Evolutionary epigenetics: Evolutionary mechanisms from epigenetic points of view
| Organizers : | Ichizo Kobayashi (The University of Tokyo) / Tetsuji Kakutani (National Institute of Genetics) |
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In mammals and many plants, epigenetic modification of the genome is usually reset during transfer of the genome to the next generation. However, there are reports on the exceptions especially in the disease contexts. In some plants and unicellular organisms, epigenetic states are inherited to the next generation and directly contribute to evolution. In these processes, intragenomic conflicts between genes play an important role. These diverse epigenetic states may be regarded as the units of natural selection and evolution in addition to the genome sequences. In this workshop, various lines of cutting-edge research will address these issues. We will compare mammals with other forms of life.
| 2W6 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Oxidative stress from molecular mechanisms to patients
| Organizers : | Dongchon Kang (Kyushu University) / Hiroshi Hayakawa (Fukuoka Dental College) |
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Aerobic organisms inevitably produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and so have to live together with ROS. In these years, intracellular molecular events led by ROS are increasingly being understood. While the studies on ROS and diseases have been accumulated enormously so far, surprisingly little evidence is presented that anti-oxidant therapies in fact were effective to human individuals. In this workshop, we want to discuss ROS and diseases from its molecular mechanisms to patients.
| 2W7 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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"Reunion" of membrane transport protein-researches
| Organizers : | Shushi Nagamori (Osaka University) / Haruo Ogawa (The University of Tokyo) |
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Membrane transport proteins such as transporters, channels or pumps are membrane proteins that selectively import/export small molecules such as ions or nutrition across cell membranes. Since membrane transport proteins are crucial for activity of life, the mutations or disruptions of these proteins cause severe diseases. Thus, researches of these proteins are important not only for basic science but also for requests of society. In the era of post-genome, the number of the membrane transport proteins is increasing and the area of research related to these proteins is spreading out. We, researchers, face our own research targets from many points of views such as gene expression profile, 3D-structure and function relationship, physiology and pathology or drug-discovery. However, we wonder if we are loosing good relations with our "comrade" by focusing only on our individual research. For the further expansion of "Makuyusoutai-gaku", the researches of membrane transport proteins, and for translation between our research products and society, we believe that establishment of seamless platform including studies from molecule to phenomenon and, moreover, beyond methodology, is essential. In this workshop, we will invite researchers who study membrane transport proteins in various areas, including overseas researchers, and together with the speakers and the audiences in the workshop, we aim for "reunion" of "membrane transport protein-researches".
| 2W8 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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The leading edge of neo-glucose metabolism research
| Organizers : | Hiroshi Masumoto (University of Nagasaki) / Masaki Mizunuma (Hiroshima University) |
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Glucose metabolism produces energy metabolites such as ATP and various amino acids as a "power plant" and provides some metabolites working as co-enzymes, which influence various cellular functions. Therefore, the dysfunction of glucose metabolism causes the metabolic diseases such as the age-associated diseases. Furthermore, recent researches suggest that a regulation system can activate or repress the glucose metabolism by modulating the activities of metabolic enzymes with the post-translational modifications. In this workshop, we are planning to introduce the researches of the glucose metabolism using the model organism: the regulation system of glucose metabolism and the mechanisms of cellular dysfunctions caused by disorder of glucose metabolism. We are going to invite speakers to provide new insight into topics described above, and discuss future directions for the study of glucose metabolism.
| 2W9 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 9 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kikusui Main Building B1F) |
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Frontier fish sciences
| Organizers : | Atsuo Iida (Kyoto University) / Hiromi Hirata (National Institute of Genetics) |
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Zebrafish and medaka has been developed as a new vertebrate model, since these small fish are easy to raise in a laboratory, and useful for live imaging of morphology and activity of cells/tissues in intact animals. On the other hand, the unavailability of ES cells and RNAi as well as narrow cross-reactivity of antibodies in fish species has restricted the use of zebrafish and medaka in a narrow field of biology compared with mammals and the other traditional model organisms. Then, the life science using small fish is just a zoology without universal truth? Of course not! By virtue of its specific advantages, fish study have demonstrated the common features of organisms and raised further questions toward understanding the mystery of life. In this workshop, we discuss core interests of small fish study that is seemingly a mere zoology but is actually proving the universal basis of life. We also introduce eccentric fish models that pioneer a new frontier of biology.
| 2W10 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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Science-based functional food molecules
| Organizers : | Ryuichiro Sato (The University of Tokyo) / Koji Uchida (Nagoya University) |
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Science-based functional food products have been developed as "Food for specified health use (FoSHU)" in Japan. The popularity of the functional foods is increasing; however, there is limited scientific evidence to establish their safety and efficacy. We propose a workshop entitled "Science-based functional food molecules" be held during the BMB2015. Given the importance of dietary small molecules, especially plant-derived phytochemicals, in health and diseases, this workshop meeting should attract a significant number of participants. The emphasis of our proposed inaugural workshop will be on new paradigms, methodologies, and biological activities for functional food molecules. To hear as many new ideas as possible, all talks will be relatively short and invited speakers will include a mix of both senior and junior investigators.
| 2W11 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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Cell competition: toward understanding universal principles of competitive cell-cell interactions.
| Organizers : | Tatsushi Igaki (Kyoto University) / Yasuyuki Fujita (Hokkaido University) |
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Cell competition' is a form of cell-cell interaction whereby cells with higher fitness ("winners") survive and proliferate at the expense of cells with lower fitness ("losers") in multicellular organisms. Accumulating evidence suggests that cell competition might be involved in a variety of biological processes such as organ size control, tissue homeostasis, and the maintenance of stem cell population. In this workshop, we will discuss the mechanisms and physiological roles of cell competition toward understanding universal principles of competitive cell-cell interactions.
| 2W12 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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Toward the understanding of molecular mechanisms for the acquisition of totipotency
| Organizers : | Toshinobu Nakamura (Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology) / Masahito Ikawa (Osaka University) |
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Totipotency is the ability to differentiate into all types of the cells. Sperm and oocyte are highly specified cells to transfer genetic information to next generations, but they attain totipotency by reprograming soon after fertilization. Although zygotes loose totipotency along the development, primordial germ cells, the precursors of oocytes and spermatozoa, initiate reprogramming for the reacquisition of totipotency after fertilization. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regarding totipotency in the germ cells and zygotes are crucial subject in lifescience. In this workshop, we will provide current studies on molecular mechanism for the acquisition of totipotency in mammals.
| 2W13 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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Structures and biological functions of non-B DNA and its application for manipulation of biological systems
| Organizers : | Hisao Masai (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of medical Science) / Daisuke Miyoshi (Konan University) |
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Non-B DNA structures, including G-quadruplex, triplex, and Z DNA, are ubiquitously present on genomes. For examples, nearly 400,000 potential G-quadruplex forming sequences are present on the human genome. However, biological functions of these unusual DNA structures have remained unclear. Past studies indicated that these structures may function in transcription regulation and maintenance of special chromatin structures such as telomere. Recent studies have suggested their more general roles in chromatin regulation and initiation of DNA replication. On the other hand, these structures have been linked to induction of genomic instability through its ability to interfere with the progression of replication forks and the proteins specifically interacting with them and protecting the genome have attracted much attention. Furthermore, development of chemicals modulating these structures and design of novel nucleic acid structures have opened up a new direction for novel techniques of genome and cell manipulation. In this workshop we will discuss the newest trends in structure, functions, and applications of non-B DNA.
| 2W16 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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Novel Technologies to Analyze and Control Cellular Functions: From 1-molecule to Spatiotemporal Dynamics
| Organizers : | Masaharu Seno (Okayama University) |
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Cellular functions basically depend on the thermodynamic fluctuation of molecules and cooperative interaction between molecules. As for the intracellular signal transductions, proper alignment of the involved proteins on the scaffolds and their timely interactions are required to exhibit the cellular functions and phenotypes. To understand the function of these proteins, the spatiotemporal information is very important. The recent technologies to visualize single molecule with fluorescent diamond nanoparticles and the dynamics of kinase activity of intracellular proteins and to control the position of each protein will be introduced. Simultaneously, the new technologies to confer the functions upon iPS cells and established cell lines controlling the growth, differentiation and transformation using micro-RNAs, exosomes and so on will be introduced.
| 2W19 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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Molecular mechanism of Aging and its triggered disorders and diseases
| Organizers : | Kaori Fujita (Kyoto University) / Mitsuo Maruyama (National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Nagoya University) |
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Ageing irreversibly proceeds with time and is physiological decline following deterioration of homeostasis and regenerative ability in all cells, tissues, and organs. Ageing is also potentially the risk factor of various diseases, and its phenotype seen as aging phenomena diverges widely between organs, therefore, we should aim for integrated understanding of the mechanism of aging. In this workshop, we comprehensively picked up the molecular aging researches from many different perspectives, and would like to discuss the mechanisms of ageing, age-related disorders or dysfunction and age-related diseases with the results from the invaluable and inevitable various geriatric model organisms.
| 2W20 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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Replication fork: the molecular platform for diverse DNA transactions
| Organizers : | Masato Kanemak (National Institute of Genetics) / Tatsuro Takahashi (Osaka University) |
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Since the groundbreaking discovery of the first DNA polymerase by Dr. A. Kornberg nearly 60 years ago, DNA replication has been at the center of the Molecular Biology research. Recent studies on the eukaryotic replication have revealed key reactions in the initiation step of DNA replication, yet largely unclear are the functions of the replication fork, at which not only duplication of DNA but also detection of DNA damages, establishment of chromosome cohesion, deposition of histones, and inheritance of epigenetic regulation take place. Defects in such processes are well-known causes of genomic instability, which can lead to cell death or oncogenesis. Recent reports also proposed that DNA synthesis plays a key role in reprogramming of terminally differentiated cells. Therefore, studying the replication fork as the platform that interweaves various biological activities would pave the way toward new DNA replication-related studies. This workshop will pick up recent progresses on DNA/chromatin transactions at the replication fork, in order to discuss how this structure orchestrates a wide variety of biological reactions.
| 2W22 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 22 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room2A 2F ) |
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Current research trends in Complex Systems Biology
| Organizers : | Kunihiro Ohta (The University of Tokyo) / Satoshi Sawai (The University of Tokyo) |
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Quantitative systems biology aims at theoretically understanding and elucidating "complex biological systems" by new methods including mathematical modeling, quantitative/synthetic experiments on dynamic aspects of biological phenomena. In this workshop, we would like to introduce some related achievements and discuss the future direction this field and the expected influences on molecular biology and biochemistry.
| 2W24 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 24 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room3A 3F) |
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An Approach to Neuroscience by Phos-tag Technology, a New Method for Protein Phosphorylation
| Organizers : | Tomohisa Hosokawa (RIKEN) / Eiji Kinoshita (Hiroshima University) |
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Phos-tag technology has begun to be used as a novel approach to protein phosphorylation study. Phos-tag SDS-PAGE, in particular, permits the qualitative and quantitative analysis of protein phosphorylation, opening new areas in the field of neuroscience. This workshop is organized with the aim of introducing a wide range of pioneering studies using Phos-tag technology to analyze phosphorylated targets involved in maintenance or failure of the neurological functions. Our goal is to demonstrate the profound impact through the most advanced achievements.
| 2W26 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 26 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall A) |
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5-aminolevulinic acid: its various physiological functions and diverse applications from agriculture to medicine.
| Organizers : | Kiyoshi Kita (The University of Tokyo) / Taku Chibazakura (Tokyo University of Agriculture) / Shun-ichiro Ogura (Tokyo Institute of Technology) |
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5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a natural amino acid contained in all organisms and the common precursor of tetrapyrroles such as heme, cytochromes, chlorophylls, and vitamin B12. Thus, ALA is a fundamental material of life involved in diverse biological reactions, and has therefore been attracting a lot of interest in its physiological functions and applications in various fields. Since exogenous ALA enhances respiration and photosynthetic activities, it has been regarded as importantly in nutritional and agricultural fields and already applied to nutrient supplements and fertilizers. Also, pharmaceutical applications of ALA have rapidly advanced, including antibiotics and anticancer drugs which target the differences in tetrapyrrole metabolism among species and diseases. The latest studies on physiological functions and applications of ALA will be presented to encourage discussions with wide variety of audience.
| 2W27 | December 2 (Wed) 9:00-11:30 Room 27 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall B) |
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live cell imaging in plant science
| Organizers : | Tomohiro Uemura (The University of Tokyo) / Shigeyuki Betusyaku (JST, The University of Tokyo) |
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As developing fluorescent probes and microscopies, we can observe dynamic aspects of plant cell by imaging live cells and tissues. Live imaging brings many new findings which has not been observed in fixed materials. However, there are many types of live imaging systems. For example, the system which is developed in order to observe the dynamics of intracellular organelles is clearly distinct from one for observation of root and leaf development. In this workshop, we will present live imaging system and recent finding by live cell imaging from different field such as cellular dynamics, root development and pathogen resistance in plant.
| 2W2-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 2 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 1 Main Building B1F) |
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Active production of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidases: involvement in diverse biological functions in animals, plants, and fungi.
| Organizers : | Kazuyuki Kuchitsu (Tokyo University of Science) / Masato Katsuyama (Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine) |
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Inevitable generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through aerobic respiration or photosynthesis is deleterious to organisms. Therefore many organisms have developed elaborate ROS-scavenging systems. On the other hand, the phagocyte NADPH oxidase (Nox) that generates superoxide anion radical has been known as beneficial that exerts bactericidal activities by oxidizing infected microorganisms. Mutations in Nox components are found in many patients with chronic granulomatous disease. In recent years, however, many homologs of Nox have been identified not only in non-phagocytes in animals but also in most eukaryotes including plants and fungi, and shown to play critical roles in diverse higher order biological functions such as development, morphogenesis, stress responses, immunity and symbiosis. In this workshop, regulatory mechanisms and physiological functions of Nox will be discussed interdisciplinarily by front-line researchers in the field.
| 2W3-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 3 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 2 Main Building B1F) |
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Behavior of the countable number of molecular elements, which governs biological systems.
| Organizers : | Kazuhiro Maeshima (National Institute of Genetics) / Hiroki R. Ueda (The University of Tokyo) |
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Cooperative function/behavior in biological nanosystems consisting of countable number of molecular elements is one of the most important aspects in biological phenomena. Although so many studies have been reported in terms of biochemistry and single molecule observation, which deal with Avogadro's number of molecules and single molecule, respectively, there are few reports showing elementary process of cooperative function/behavior among small number of molecules in living cells. In this workshop, we will focus on the methodology and biological phenomena as well as model theories to approach this important issue.
| 2W4-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 4 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 3 Main Building B1F) |
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Biomarker research on lifestyle disease - from investigation of the cause to identification of the therapeutic targets
| Organizers : | Takaki Hiwasa (Chiba University) / Takanori Kitazono (Kyushu University) |
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It is generally believed that disease such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cerebral infarction, kidney disease and dementia is largely affected by lifestyle. However, despite the continuous habit which can affect adversely such as smoking, alcohol drinking, excess salt intake and high caloric intake, some people can keep their health. It is very difficult to eliminate all of such risk factors. If people can know the causative lifestyle by biomarker analysis, they can prevent the onset of the disease by improving of the lifestyle. On the other hand, in accordance with the progress in biotechnology, search for biomarkers has made amazing progress. Identification and functional analysis of biomarkers of lifestyle disease may lead not only to application to diagnosis but also to distinguishment of the causative lifestyle as well as development of novel therapeutic drugs targeted to the marker molecules. In this workshop, we hope to get the most recent knowledge on biomarker search and to discuss on the clinical application including the development of novel therapeutic methods.
| 2W5-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Primary causes and therapies of Alzheimer's disease revealed by plasma membrane and membrane trafficking
| Organizers : | Makoto Michikawa (Nagoya City University) / Toshiharu Suzuki (Hokkaido University) |
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In Alzheimer's disease, amyloid a-peptide (Aa) derived from amyloid b-protein precursor (APP) plays a central role in the onset. More production of longer Aa peptide, such as Aa42, with high aggregative ability expresses enhanced neurotoxicity. Causative gene mutations on APP and PS genes facilitate the production of longer and pathogenic Aa species in familial AD, whereas, the onset mechanisms of sporadic AD, which occupies over 95% of AD patients, remain unclear. Moreover, the contribution of ApoE e4 isoform, which is the largist risk factor in sporadic AD, in onset remains unrevealed. Recent researches suggest that alteration of intracellular protein and/or lipid metabolism along with altered membrane composition and membrane trafficking induces the onset despite the absence of FAD mutations, and proposed a possibility of "Heterogeneity in primary causes of sporadic AD". In this workshop, we will introduce the forefront researches indicating the heterogeneity in primary causes of AD along with possible treatments and therapy directions.
| 2W6-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Translational glyconeuroscience
| Organizers : | Hiroshi Kitagawa (Kobe Pharmaceutical University) / Kenji Kadomatsu (Nagoya University) |
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Extracellular environment that surrounds almost all cell surfaces has been known to play essential roles in a wide spectrum of neurobiological functions including neuronal development and subsequent plasticity. Because of the ubiquitous emergence of glycans within extra/pericellular spaces, their potentials as microenvironmental cues for such neuronal regulations have been studied. Recent advances in "Glyco-Neuroscience" have provided strong evidence for a functional relevance of distinct glycans in neuronal plasticity. In addition, accumulating evidence indicates that glycan chains may be involved in neural disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy, and schizophrenia. Therefore, at this workshop, we would like to indicate that comprehensive analyses of the relationships between the structure and function of glycans are needed not only for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying glycan-associated neuronal disorders, but also for development of promising new therapeutic approaches to treatments for the related neuronal disorders.
| 2W7-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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New frontier of oxidative phosphorylation.
| Organizers : | Seiji Takashima (Osaka University) / Toshiharu Suzuki (The University of Tokyo) |
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Machineries of cellular respiration (complex I-IV) and ATP synthase have been extensively studied. It is just recently noticed that these complexes, not only provide most ATP to cells, but also contribute to regulation of higher order cellular physiology. In this workshop, we focus on"structure, function, regulation, physiology, and diseases" of these complexes. It includes function of cytochrome oxidase revealed from ultra-high resolution structure, newly revealed membrane channel structure of ATP synthase, step-wise rotation and regulation of human ATP synthase, torque generation by ATP synthase, key role of complex II in hypoxia adaptation, newly found factors that activate complexes, life-span extending effect of alfa-ketoglutarate that inhibits ATP synthase, and diseases caused from disfunction of these complexes.
| 2W8-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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Brain immunity and the disease.
| Organizers : | Takae Hirasawa (Teikyo University) |
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In our body, there is immunity system which defend to the body against the bacteria or virus. A leukocyte is a typical cell of immune cell of a body, but there is special mechanism in the brain for immunity system. A microglial cell play the immunity control in the brain. Microglia are a special cell compared to the neuron and the astrocyte in their origin. Moreover, the cell fate of microglia is different from other immune cells. Morphologically, microglia has many processes extending long prolongations to attach some neurons and astrocyte. When the brain injured or disease such as ischemia, microglia transform their cell body and release a growth factor or factor which kills a cell to maintain the environment in the brain. Why does microglia have the various functions by one cell? Why does microglia have the peculiar form different from other immunocyte? Whether microglia have any relationship with other diseases? The function of the microglial was regarded as a reaction for inside in the brain (Defense). We hope many field researchers attend to this workshop.
| 2W9-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 9 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kikusui Main Building B1F) |
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Transcription factors in cell growth and differentiation
| Organizers : | Akihiko Yokoyama (Kyoto University) / Tomohiko Tamura (Yokohama City University) |
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Differentiation of stem or progenitor cells into various types of mature cells is a process of establishing lineage-specific gene expression patterns. This workshop highlights the role of transcription factors in cell growth and differentiation, particularly at a gnome-wide scale, in multiple cell types. We hope to discuss not only the lineage-specific mechanism but also the basic principles of cell differentiation.
| 2W10-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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Frontier of Plant Epigenome Regulation
| Organizers : | Motoaki Seki (RIKEN) / Sachihiro Matsunaga (Tokyo University of Science) / Tetsu Kinoshita (Yokohama City University) |
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Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, has important roles in environmental stress adaptation and development in plants. Novel epigenetic regulators have been also identified from the plant research. Use of high-throughput sequencing technologies has accelerated the research towards the elucidation of the epigenome regulation mechanisms. In this workshop, the recent hot research topics of the plant epigenome regulation will be presented.
| 2W11-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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Membrane dynamics and lipids
| Organizers : | Fubito Nakatsu (Niigata University) / Hye-Won Shin (Kyoto University) |
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Biological membranes, which compartmentalize cellular organelles as well as cell itself, regulate a variety of fundamental processes for cell physiology. For instance, cellular membranes serve as platforms for biosynthesis of proteins and lipids and signaling. Moreover, dynamic remodeling of cellular membranes including vesicle formation, bending, fission or fusion is the basis of vesicular transport/membrane trafficking, an essential process supports cellular housekeeping functions. A growing body of evidence clearly demonstrates that lipids, the major constituents of cellular membranes, play an important role in the dynamic, coordinated and sophisticated regulation of such processes. We bring together scientists focusing on studies exploring regulatory function of lipids and provide an opportunity to discuss how lipids control membrane dynamics.
| 2W12-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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A New Approach on Regenerative Medicine via Information-sharing
| Organizers : | Hirofumi Suemori (Kyoto University) / Kenta Nakai (The University of Tokyo) |
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Maybe you have already become a bit sick of listening to a flood of daily reports on latest advances in stem cell/regenerative medicine research. But we still believe that we need to take some more radical approaches to make regenerative medicine just an ordinary means in hospitals. Thus, we have explored such an approach, which stems from "the information sharing between researchers via the information-communication technology and the subsequent evolution of stem cell research into an information science" for more than four years under the support of a grant by the Ministry of Health. Labor and Welfare in Japan. With such an approach, stem cell researchers can collaborate with bioinformatics experts who are good at big data analysis, can share basic data to construct the standards for the quality control in stem cell research, and/or can translate their findings into industrial products. In this workshop, we will ask mainly young researchers to present their latest results mostly based on the information-sharing approach, as a launch of new stream of research on regenerative medicine.
| 2W13-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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Emerging of molecular bases that regulate context-specific Notch signaling
| Organizers : | Motoyuki Itoh (Chiba University) / Motoo Kitagawa (Chiba University) / Kenji Matsuno (Osaka University) |
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The Notch signal pathway is well conserved during metazoan evolution and plays important roles for development and homeostasis. Depending on developmental stages and tissues, this signaling is controlled in various ways and achieves various functions. Tissue- and stage-specific regulations of Notch signaling have been recognized, although their mechanisms were not clear in most cases. However, recent studies are uncovering the molecular bases of these specific regulations. Furthermore, the importance of these tissue- and stage-specific regulations is becoming clear in various diseased conditions. This workshop focuses on such context-specific regulations of Notch signaling, and will provide an opportunity to discuss about the direction of this new research field.
| 2W15-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 15 (Kobe International Conference Center International Conference Room 3F) |
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Frontier in long noncoding RNA field: Approaching through Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Medicine
| Organizers : | Riki Kurokawa (Saitama Medical University) / Takanori Oyoshi (Shizuoka University) |
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Most of physiological functions, and mechanisms of expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are still enigmatic problem, although various fields of researchers have paid attention. To solve these problems, variety of approaches is required. At this workshop, lectures have been assigned to leading-edge scientists regarding analyses of structures of lncRNA, its molecular functions, computational analysis, and therapeutics of related diseases. Discussion at the session will provide future direction toward broad area of the lncRNA studies.
| 2W16-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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The Frontiers of multi-spectrum omics
| Organizers : | Tsuyoshi Osawa (The University of Tokyo) / Teppei Shimamura (Nagoya University) |
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'Life' on earth comprises various types of organic chemical compounds such as nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Recent technological advances, including next-generation sequencers and mass spectrometers, provide comprehensive data on genomics, transcriptome, proteomics, and metabolomics from cells or tissues. Although data are easily available, interpreting the data from each 'Omics' remains a challenge in deciphering the complete picture of 'The Cell'. A novel approach is required to integrate the versatile 'Omics' data to elucidate complicated and precise mechanisms in higher eukaryotes, which may facilitate understanding human diseases caused by their transition from the reversible to irreversible stages.In this workshop, prominent experimental researchers and bioinformatists from different 'Omics' fields have come together and would like to share and discuss the use of multi-spectrum integration of the ever-changing materials in cells.
| 2W19-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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Gap Junction: connexin, innexin & pannexin - structural, developmental & pathological studies -
| Organizers : | Masakatsu Watanabe (Osaka University) / Atsunori Oshima (Nagoya University) |
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Gap junction is intercellular channel that mediates direct cell-cell communications by allowing small molecules of <1,000Da to transfer between neighboring cells. Although this channel plays important roles in many tissues and organs in multicellular organisms, the low selectivity for small molecules complicates to elucidate its molecular function. Gap junction is composed by connexin and innexin in vertebrate and invertebrate, respectively. It is also known that pannexin, which is orthologue of innexin functions as hemichannel in vertebrate. This workshop focuses on various aspects of gap junction in term of structural, developmental and pathological studies.
| 2W20-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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DG signaling in diabetes-related diseases
| Organizers : | Fumio Sakane (Chiba University) / Yasuhito Shirai (Kobe University) |
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Number of diabetic patients including borders is over 20 million. Diabetes is caused by sustained hyperglycemia, leading to diabetic microvasculature disorders including retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy. Abnormal protein kinase C (PKC) activation is one of the causes of the microvasculature disorders although PKC is also important for insulin secretion. PKC is normally activated by diacylglycerol (DG) produced from phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate by phospholipase C upon receptor stimulation. The produced DG is converted to phosphatidic acid by DG kinase. In addition to PKC, DG kinase has recently been shown to be involved in insulin secretion and insulin resistance. These facts indicate the importance and complexity of DG signaling in insulin secretion and diabetic conditions. Therefore, historical and recent knowledge of DG signaling in insulin secretion and diabetic microvasculature disorders would be provided in this workshop to discuss a possibility of PKC and DGK as therapeutic targets for drugs to prevent and/or improve diabetes and diabetic microvasculature disorders.
| 2W22-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 22 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room2A 2F ) |
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Incorporation of unnatural bases and amino acids into the central dogma of genetic information
| Organizers : | Shigeyuki Yokoyama (RIKEN) |
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In the replication, transcription, and translation steps of the central dogma of genetic information, four bases each for DNA and RNA and 20 amino acids for proteins are used as the "letters" constituting the "alphabets". As the molecular mechanisms of replication, transcription, and translation are well understood at the three-dimensional structure level of nucleic acids and proteins, the extremely high specificities for these letters are targeted toward development of novel biotechnologies. As for the replication step, unnatural base pairs that are as specific and efficient as the Watson-Crick base pairs for PCR reactions have already been develop and applied to selection of DNA aptamers containing unnatural bases, which enables development of novel functions that cannot be possible only with the natural bases. As for the translation step, the genetic code has been "expanded" with engineered tRNA-enzyme systems to incorporate a variety of useful unnatural amino acids site-specifically into proteins, and the expanded genetic codes are applied to development of novel biological therapeutics.
| 2W24-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 24 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room3A 3F) |
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New insights into the developmental role of calcium oscillation signaling
| Organizers : | Kazuo Emoto (The University of Tokyo) / Naoto Ueno (National Institute for Basic Biology) |
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Thanks to the recent development of novel calcium indicators with high sensitivity, researches are able to monitor in vivo calcium dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution. These studies have revealed that local calcium oscillation plays a key role in the spatio-temporal regulations of developmental events such as multiple cellular movements and neuronal remodeling. This workshop focuses the role of the calcium oscillation signaling in the multiple developmental events including tissue morphogenesis, neural network formation, and plant fertilization. We would like to discuss about future directions of the developmental studies of calcium oscillation signaling from a wide view of points.
| 2W26-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 26 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall A) |
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Continuing advance in the transglutaminase research into medical science
| Organizers : | Akitada Ichinose (Yamagata University) / Soichi Kojima (RIKEN) / Kiyotaka Hitomi (Nagoya University) |
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Transglutaminases (TGs) are members of a family of enzymes that catalyze crosslinking reactions by forming iso-peptide bonds between a number of proteins and peptides in almost all organisms. The protein crosslinking by TG is one of the most important post-translational reactions, and thus is related to various disease states. There are surprising novel findings in the TG research field, year in, year out. Accordingly, we would like to introduce such exciting results obtained by the following established investigators in the world: Dr. Mutch will show a functional role for platelet Factor XIII (FXIII)-A subunit through exposure on the activated platelet membrane where it exerts anti-fibrinolytic function by cross-linking α2-plasmin inhibitor to fibrin. Dr. Souri will present that FXIII-B subunit plays important roles in hemostasis by forming a ternary complex between pro-enzyme FXIII, pro-substrate fibrinogen, and their activator thrombin. Dr. Mikoshiba will talk about aberrant calcium signaling by TG type 2 (TG2)-mediated post-translational modification of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors that may relate to Huntington disease and Alzheimer disease. Dr. Kojima will report that TG2 has a novel nuclear-localization signal (NLS) in its domains C and that a hit compound which inhibits the NLS-mediated nuclear localization of TG2 is screened out from a library consisting of 30,000 compounds. Dr. Iismma will review TG2 mouse models and recent insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of TG2 that have come from the studies of a number of different types of genetically-engineered mice. Dr. Hitomi will show altered expressions of TG1 and TG2 and their enzymatic activities in cells of kidney diseases such as fibrosis and acute renal failure, in addition to results of a search for possible substrate proteins of these TGs in renal diseases.
| 2W27-p | December 2 (Wed) 14:00-16:30 Room 27 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall B) |
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Pericyte in health and disease
| Organizers : | Koichi Nishiyama (Kumamoto University) / Seiji Yamamoto (University of Toyama) |
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Pericytes are known as perivascular cells showing specific morphology in microvasculature; however, pericytes have not been focused more than 100 years as a fascinating target in medical and biological sciences. Recently, pathophysiolosical significance of pericyte was revealed by some research groups, since molecular markers were reported for discriminating pericytes from other cells. Several lines of studies demonstrated that pericytes were pivotal role in blood flow regulation and control of permeability in micro blood vessels. It was also demonstrated that reciprocal communication between pericytes and endothelial cells contributed microvascular stability in physiological condition. In the pathological condition, e.g. diabetes mellitus and inflammatory disease suffering patients, the reciprocal communication between pericytes and endothelial cells may be functionally uncoupled. Such conditions provoke focal pathological angiogenesis and hyperpermeability that may cause of the local tissue dysfunction. In this workshop, based on the recent findings, we discuss the pathophysiological significance of pericytes.
| 3W5 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Paradigm shift in Homochirality of Biomolecules - Great advances in D-Amino Acid Research
| Organizers : | Noriko Fujii (Kyoto University) / Hiroshi Homma (Kitasato University) |
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Homochirality of biomolecules are well known, however, concerning the occurrence and function of their enantiomers, significant advances have been recently made. It has been recognized that D-amino acids (D-AA), irrespective of free or bound forms, are widely spread in the higher organisms. Free D-serine and D-aspartate (D-Asp) are deeply involved in the neuronal activity and participate in the onsets of schizophrenia or ALS, and regulate the production of endocrine substances. A number of stereospecific D-AA-metabolizing enzymes have also been characterized. In food chemistry, considerable attentions are given to the tasting properties of D-AA. On the other hand, D-Asp residues in proteins have been detected in various tissues such as lenses and brains of elderly humans, and are presumably related to age-related cataracts and Alzheimer diseases. The most recent remarkable progress has been made in the development of its detection methods, including the enantio-separation of amino acids using HPLC or LC-MS/MS. In this workshop, a variety of D-amino acid research results will be introduced.
| 3W6 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Lipid signaling and lipid-related diseases
| Organizers : | Toshihide Kobayashi (RIKEN) / Kiyoko Fukami (Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences) |
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Phospholipids are dynamic and important molecules regulating signal transduction and shapes of cell membranes. Recent techniques begin to uncover changes in phospholipid itself are correlated with diseases. However, little is known about the localization and dynamics of each phospholipid, because the intrinsic properties of phospholipids make it difficult to image endogenous lipids. In this workshop, we will invite experts of this developing field as well as young, new comers to discuss how to visualize lipids. We also focus on the correlation between diseases and phospholipid-metabolizing enzymes or phospholipid-binding proteins.
| 3W7 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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Frontier of Structural Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
| Organizers : | Toshio Hakoshima (Nara Institute of Science and Technology) / Katsumi Maenaka (Hokkaido University) |
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Nowadays life science research definitely necessiates protein structural information. To visualize biological events both spatially and temporally by cutting-edge structural biology technologies has become increasingly important. Japanese young researchers have successfully achieved progress on structural biology related to molecular and cell biology field, such as kinetochore complex and FGF signaling co-receptor, medical science field such as bacterial infection and innate immunity, and structure biochemistry of glycoproteins. These results should not be subdivided into each field but instead integrated into knowledge useful for a wider range of life science. Therefore, in this workshop, structural biologists in different biology fields, along with up-and-coming overseas researchers will show novel techniques and ideas, and research strategy, based on latest achievements, and further discuss the current status of each field and future prospects including industrial applications.
| 3W8 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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Molecular Biology of Intriguing Creatures
| Organizers : | Kyoko Miura (Hokkaido University) / Hirotaka Kanuka (The Jikei University School of Medicine) |
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Every scientist who is pursuing secret of life may have at least one favorite "OMOROI" (fascinating) creature. A wide variety of wild species shows us a lot of mysterious phenomena as simply as nature allows such as the strange habits or beautiful shape. These authentic creatures have been placed as the object that had difficulty to be analyzed using molecular and/or biochemical tools so far. However, in recent years it is now able to relate gene and protein functions to those phenomena by the appearance of various innovative techniques such as next-generation sequencing, transgenesis, RNAi, and genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9. In this workshop, we focus on a variety of biological events that authentic creatures full of the charm exhibit, and would like to share recent findings by researchers definitely active in various fields.
| 3W9 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 9 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kikusui Main Building B1F) |
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POK family functions in complexity of differentiation ~ transcriptional repression and chromatin remodeling ~
| Organizers : | Haruo Okado (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of medical Science) / Miyatake Shoichiro (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of medical Science) |
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The POK family of transcription factors, also known as the zBTB, POZ-ZF, and BTB-ZF family, consist of Zinc finger proteins containing BTB (or POZ) domains. Vertebrates have about 50 POK encoding genes, which play key roles during differentiation of various tissues. While invertebrates also have POK proteins, the number/variety of these proteins is much greater in vertebrates. This suggests that POK proteins may be important for complex developmental processes, such as the differentiation of the adaptive immune system or of the vertebrate central nervous system. Consistent with a role in immunity, mutations in the POK family members, PLZF and Bcl-6, were found to be associated with leukemia and lymphoma. The function of many other POK proteins in immune system development has also been extensively studied. In the nervous system, missense mutations in RP58 (zBTB18) and zBTB20 have been reported in patients with intellectual disabilities. Most POK proteins are transcriptional repressors that function by recruiting HDAC, Sirt1 and/or Dnmt to specific genomic sequences. Thus, POK proteins likely regulate epigenetic processes. In this workshop, we will discuss several POK genes that function in chromatin remodeling.
| 3W10 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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Dynamical epigenomics study in vascular- and metabolic-diseases
| Organizers : | Takashi Minami (The University of Tokyo) / Juro Sakai (The University of Tokyo) |
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Dysregulation of the vascular-and/or metabolic-tissues are tightly correlated to the major mortalities in advanced nation. Thus, it is important to study the pathophysiology in vascular and adipose cells and to identify the crucial ways via genome-wide systems approach involving the transcriptional regulations and histone/DNA methylation analysis. Most recently, such a global epigenome research is greatly proceeding in homeostasis-regulated vascular-and metabolic-cells, which may lead the new paradigm theory in addition of the traditional biochemical analysis, as well as the foundation of early progression markers of cancer and metabolic syndrome. In this session, we wish deeply discuss about the molecular basis of the pathophysiology in view of the global epigenomics.
| 3W11 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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Biology and Dynamics of RNA Granules ~The Frontlines of Cell Fate Determination and Medical Research~
| Organizers : | Mutsuhiro Takekawa (The University of Tokyo) / Reiko Sugiura (Kinki University) |
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RNA granules (RGs) are dynamic non-membranous structures, which regulate every aspect of mRNA life cycle. Notably, RGs have also emerged as key regulators of cellular stress responses (e.g., apoptosis, and immune-response to viral infection) by controlling critical signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK, and mTOR). Dysregulation of RG formation is involved in a variety of life-threatening diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, RG assembly is also of clinical importance. In this workshop, we will introduce recent progress on the functions and regulation of RNA granules in relation to their implication in human diseases.
| 3W12 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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Molecular dynamics of higher-order complexes for initiation of DNA replication: diversity and universality
| Organizers : | Tsutomu Katayama (Kyushu University) / Hisao Masukata (Osaka University) |
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Initiation of DNA replication is one of the most crucial regulatory steps in cell division cycle. Thus, various regulatory pathways affect the dynamics of higher-order protein-DNA complexes that are transiently formed at the replication origins for the initiation of DNA replication. Recent studies using various model organisms on structures and functions of replication origins, initiation proteins and complexes of those, as well as on regulations by cell cycle and chromatin structures, allow us to share overhead views of the mechanisms of the initiation of DNA replication. In this workshop, we will discuss the dynamics of the initiation complex formation in relations with diverse cellular reactions.
| 3W13 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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Nutrients, metabolites and gene expression - forefront of nutrigenomics research
| Organizers : | Naoya Yahagi (University of Tsukuba) / Michihiro Matsumoto (National Center for Global Health and Medicine) |
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Nutrigenomics is a research field of studying how nutritional environment affects gene expression on a whole body scale. Animals can adapt to various changes in the nutritional environment owing to the dynamic regulation of gene expressions in organs involved in the homeostasis of nutrient metabolism. Recently, nutrigenomics analyses on a whole organ / body scale based on powerful molecular biology techniques have provided many insights into this research field.. We will discuss nutritional regulation of gene expressions from various viewpoints including epigenetic information, and translational regulation.
| 3W16 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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Challenging important issues on biological effects in ionizing radiation by the power of molecular biology
| Organizers : | Junya Kobayashi (Kyoto University) / Yoshihisa Matsumoto (Tokyo Institute of Technology) |
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Massive release of radioactive elements like 137Cs and 131I, by the accident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011, raised public concern on the effects of ionizing radiation on human health. Ionizing radiation causes various types of damages on DNA, including DNA double-strand break (DSB) into genome DNA. There have been great advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of DNA repair from many studies using yeast or cells from patients of inherited radiosensitive disorders. However, ionizing radiation could also induce an increase in endogenous oxidative stress, mitochondrial disorders and/or activation of stress responses. Accumulating evidences have suggested that such cellular responses, which are not directly related with DNA damage, would be important especially for the effects of low dose radiation. Seven speakers, studying DNA damage repair, oxidative stress, mitochondria, cellular senescence, inflammatory response and stem cell biology, meet in this workshop and talk on their research and its possible connection with biological effects of ionizing radiation, with special attention to low dose. We would also like to discuss how to establish a network of molecular biologists in various fields toward the solution of important issues in radiation biological effects.
| 3W19 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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New aspects of membrane traffic in multicellular organisms
| Organizers : | Mitsunori Fukuda (Tohoku University) / Ken Sato (Gunma University) |
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In eukaryotic cells, a variety of membrane-wrapped substances are dynamically and continuously transported between organelles. This process is generally called "membrane traffic", which is known to be regulated by a group of evolutionarily conserved membrane trafficking proteins. Although membrane traffic is a fundamental biological activity to maintain cellular homeostasis, recent accumulating evidence has indicated that it also plays a crucial role in higher-order functions, e.g., neuronal functions in the brain and barrier function in the epithelial tissue, in multicellular organisms. In this symposium, we will invite leading scientists to present and share the new findings about the molecular basis of membrane traffic that underlies higher-order functions of multicellular organisms.
| 3W20 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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Hippo signaling pathway regulates various cellular responses
| Organizers : | Hiroshi Nishina (Tokyo Mediccal and Dental University) / Yutaka Hata (Tokyo Medical and Dental University) |
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More than ten years has passed since the discovery of Hippo signaling pathway that regulates organ size and tumor suppression. The Hippo pathway is involved in various cellular responses including contact inhibition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and stemness. However,some fundamental questions are still unclear. How the Hippo pathway recognizes the outside cell numbers? How the Hippo pathway regulates the cell tension to ensure 3D organ structures? The molecular mechanisms of Hippo-dependent human diseases are also unknown. In this workshop, speakers at the forefront will give us interesting topics of the Hippo pathway.
| 3W22 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 22 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room2A 2F ) |
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Amino acid signaling and its dynamic regulation
| Organizers : | Yoshitaka Hayashi (Nagoya University) |
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Recently, sensing mechanisms for intracellular amino acid concentration are partially solved. Amino acids play multiple roles such as substrates for protein synthesis and gluconeogenesis, and neurotransmitters. This workshop is aimed to explore dynamic regulatory mechanism of amino acid metabolism at body-organ-cell levels, through introduction of recent topics on amino acid sensing, regulation of cell function by amino acids, and amino acid metabolism.
| 3W24 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 24 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room3A 3F) |
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Database Biology: new standard for research by recycling public data
| Organizers : | Kiichi Hirota (Kansai Medical University) / Hidemasa Bono (Database Center for Life Science) |
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The big data era is here. The most typical big data in lifescience is nucleotide sequences, and practical use of these plays an important part in the research activity even for biologists as well as informaticians. While there are so many chances and materials for learing bioinformatics, it is hard to grasp database and web tool for our own research. This workshop aims to overview the current status of'Database Biology' and prompt researchers to reuse public databases.
| 3W26 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 26 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall A) |
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Host cell organelles involved in the proliferation of microbial pathogens
| Organizers : | Kentaro Hanada (National Institute of Infectious Diseases) / Tetsuro Suzuki (Hamamatsu University School of Medicine) |
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Microbial pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites often hijack host cell machinery by interacting with host components for their own purposes. Various functions of host-cell organelles and membrane trafficking are required for the pathogen lifecycle. In this Workshop, we will discuss regulatory mechanisms of pathogen proliferation assisted by the organelles and involvement of the organelle stress in pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
| 3W27 | December 3 (Thu) 9:00-11:30 Room 27 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall B) |
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Chemical biology aiming at new agrochemicals
| Organizers : | Hiroyuki Osada (RIKEN) / Hirokazu Kawagishi (Shizuoka University) |
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Chemical biology is a research discipline that aims to elucidate complex biological phenomena by using chemistry as a tool. In agricultural field, chemical biological researches have been done for a long time. Recent progresses in chemical biological tools, establishment of public chemical libraries and development of the chemical array technology etc., have enabled more efficient research. Currently, chemical biology aiming at new type agrochemicals development is underway. In this workshop, chemical biology researches on regulation of pathogens, mycotoxins, pests, and plants will be introduced and discussed.
| 3W2-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 2 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 1 Main Building B1F) |
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Comprehensive regulatory system in DNA damage response ~Molecular pathogenesis of genome instability disorders~
| Organizers : | Atsushi Shibata (Gunma University) / Tomoo Ogi (Nagoya University) |
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DNA damage is a critical stimulus leading to cancer or senescence. To date, energetic research reveals molecular mechanism that regulates various DNA damage responses including DNA repair, signaling, cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. To understand the comprehensive system in DNA damage response, we will provide an opportunity to discuss the hierarchical network in terms of molecular pathogenesis.
| 3W3-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 3 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 2 Main Building B1F) |
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Robustness and evoluvability of biological reaction systems
| Organizers : | Masami Horikoshi (The University of Tokyo) / Kenji Ichiyanagi (Kyushu University) |
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Bioreactions are carried out by the accumulation of a variety of interactions and chemical reactions among various biomolecules, forming complex network systems. Such complex systems are robust against mutations of components and the disturbance of reactions, while they also exhibit plasticity. For instance, the program of ontogenesis is robust against environmental and genetic perturbations, implying that the trajectory of transcriptomic state in each cell during development is canalized. But the program is occasionally altered during the course of evolution. This workshop introduces mathematical and experimental studies on the robustness of bioreactions such as gene regulation, signal transduction, and cytoplasmic streaming, and we will discuss how these robust systems are related to the phenotypic plasticity and evolution.
| 3W4-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 4 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 3 Main Building B1F) |
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Metabo-immuno-senessence crossroads in non-communicable disease
| Organizers : | Yuichi Oike (Kumamoto University) / Ichiro Manabe (The University of Tokyo) |
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, are the leading cause of mortality in Japan and growing partly due to increasing obesity population and aging of the society. Recent studies have identified chronic inflammation as an unified underlying mechanism of NCDs. Moreover, chronic inflammatory processes appear to be controlled by dynamic crosstalk between the metabolic and immune systems. On the other hand, aging and senescence are also suggested to modulate metabolism and immunity in the body. In this workshop, we will discuss emerging roles of the crossroads at metabolism, immunity and senescence in development of NCDs. Particular focus will be on the molecular machinery of the crossroads and its pathological function.
| 3W5-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Molecular Genetic Approaches to understand Neurodegenerative disease
| Organizers : | Norio Ishida (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) |
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In our modern aging society, to study neurodegenerative disease is one of indispensable research projects. Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder to Alzheimer disease, the causative gene in family are well discribed . It was one of hot topics that Individuals with hetero mutation in the lysosomal enzyme Gaucher disease gene are higher risk at 28 times of developing Parkinson's disease. In this symposium, we would like to discuss the molecular mechanism and treatment of the PD and Gaucher disease by gathering frontier scientists for neurodegenerative disease and scientists in floor .
| 3W6-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Dynamics in cell-cell adhesion and cytoskeleton complex to create biological systems
| Organizers : | Junichi Ikenouchi (Kyushu University) / Sachiko Tsukita (Osaka University) |
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Recently attention has been paid to critical parameters for multi-cells to become a functional group rather than simple cell aggregations. When cells adhere to one another and form a cluster, the architectural order develops in and between cells, and the cells acquire the knowledge of functional systems as the specific biological tissue. Here, the parameters which are involved in creation and maintenance of the correct environment are discussed.
| 3W7-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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The maintenance of homeostasis through the unfolded protein response (UPR)
| Organizers : | Kazutoshi Mori (Kyoto University) / Osamu Hori (Kanazawa University) |
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The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an intracellular signaling which is conserved from the yeast to mammalian cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysfunction or dysregulation of the UPR is associated with the pathology in various diseases such as brain ischemia, neurodegeneration, diabetes, liver dysfunction and virus infection. Recent reports also demonstrated that the UPR is involved in the maintenance of homeostasis. In this symposium, we would like to introduce recent findings regarding the role of the UPR in the hypothalamus-peripheral tissue pathway and in the tissue networks, which lead to better understanding of the canonical (cell autonomous) and non-canonical (non-cell autonomous) UPR.
| 3W8-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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A cell surface receptor whose primary role is well known plays an unexpected role.
| Organizers : | Junji Yamauchi (National Research Institute for Child Health and Development) / Hironori Katoh (Kyoto University) |
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Cell surface receptors activate signaling pathways within the cell through a variety of molecular mechanisms. They have been implicated in many pathological conditions in various tissues, and this has led to the clinical development of their targeted drugs. Previous studies have revealed the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying receptor signaling and their critical roles in various cellular functions. On the other hand, advances in microscopy technology, novel experimental approach, and newly created genetically modified animals have shed light on new aspects of receptor signaling and their unexpected roles. In this workshop, we would like to discuss recent findings providing new insights into receptor signaling network with invited speakers who are studying at the frontier of cell surface receptor signaling.
| 3W9-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 9 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kikusui Main Building B1F) |
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Novel therapeutic approaches for refractory lung diseases based on the molecular mechanisms
| Organizers : | Tsuyoshi Shuto (Kumamoto University) / Tsukasa Okiyoneda (Kwansei Gakuin University) |
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Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are considered as refractory diseases, for which therapeutic approaches are limited to symptomatic treatments. In this workshop, we would like to discuss current perspective of the research on therapeutic application of existing and/or unique compounds based on the molecular mechanisms of theses diseases.
| 3W10-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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Dynamic regulation of posttranslational modification in secretory pathway
| Organizers : | Hiroyuki Ishikawa (Chiba University) / Satoshi Goto (Rikkyo University) |
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Secretory and membrane proteins play a crucial role in cell-cell communications. Most of these proteins undergo posttranslational modifications in the secretory compartments to acquire proper function. This workshop will focus on various posttranslational modifications including glycosylation, lipid modification, phosphorylation, sulfation, and techniques for detection of these modifications.
| 3W11-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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Nuclear non-coding RNA architecture for physiological functions
| Organizers : | Kuniaki Saito (Keio University) / Tetsuro Hirose (Hokkaido University) |
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Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have led to the discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their roles in various organisms. ncRNAs guide sequence-specific nucleic acid recognition or constitute the structural foundation for gene regulation, which are evoked by not only ncRNAs themselves, but also associated proteins. Thus, an understanding of the roles of ncRNAs and their associated proteins, namely, the "ncRNA architecture", is important for elucidation of the complex life systems in the post-genome era. This workshop brings together the related researchers for intensive discussion regarding the nuclear ncRNA architecture and regulatory mechanisms, and explores the new principle underlying the ncRNA architecture beyond the limits of the concepts derived from classical ncRNAs.
| 3W12-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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Nutri-developmental biology: Towards understanding molecular mechanisms of nutrient-dependent regulation of development
| Organizers : | Ryusuke Niwa (University of Tsukuba) / Tadashi Uemura (Kyoto University) |
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Organisms have the potential to accomplish development under dramatic changes of nutrients, which ensure their survival and reproductive success. However underlying genetic mechanisms are largely unknown. We discuss studies of this emerging field, "nutri-developmental biology", in which Drosophila and C. elegans are used in combination with modern approaches, including RNA-seq, metabolomic analysis, image analysis, and high-throughput screening of mutants or chemical libraries.
| 3W13-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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Perspectives of optical imaging technologies in biomedical application
| Organizers : | Yusuke Oshima (Ehime University) / Takashi Katagiri (Tohoku University) |
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Multi-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, super-resolution microscopy and Raman scattering imaging, which enable us to observe deep tissue in vivo, to achieve high spatial resolution and to visualize bio-molecules without labeling, respectively, are promising techniques in molecular biology. Furthermore, new optical devices and laser sources and novel microscopic engineering contribute to development of optical imaging techniques in biology and medicine. In this session, we focus on the knowledge how to apply those imaging techniques to basic biology and clinical diagnostics in the future.
| 3W14-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 14 (Kobe International Conference Center Main Hall 1F) |
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Warburg effect in cancer
| Organizers : | Tomoyoshi Soga (Keio University) / Hiroyasu Esumi (Tokyo University of Science) |
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Cancer cells predominantly use the glycolytic pathway for the production of precursors for cell building blocks as well as ATP. This metabolic shift termed "Warburg effect" is now considered a fundamental hallmark of cancer. However, little is known about what induces alterations in cancer metabolism. Recent advanced omics technologies and biotechnologies have revealed that several factors play an important role in the regulation of Warburg effect. This session will discuss the latest data informing metabolic regulation in tumors with an eye toward targeting cancer therapy.
| 3W16-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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Intelligent use of glycans by the host immune system and by foreign invaders
| Organizers : | Miki Yamamoto-Hino (Rikkyo University) / Akiko Shiratsuchi (Kanazawa University) |
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Here, we focus on the newly identified roles of glycans in host defense and their use by invading foreign organisms.Microbes and viruses invade host cells by binding to host glycans; the glycans are then altered to suite the pathogens' life cycle. Also, microbes and some cancer cells use glycans to escape host immune surveillance. In contrast, the host immune system recognizes glycans on microbes as "non-self", resulting in immune activation and a beneficial change in host glycan structure. We introduce the findings of recent basic and clinical studies examining the intelligent glycan utilization strategies used by hosts and invading pathogens. We hope that this workshop will enable a deeper understanding of the defense/survival strategies used by hosts and invading pathogens and facilitate debate about future perspectives.
| 3W19-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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Origin and evolution of primary biomaterials for common cellular activities: What is a principal mechanism for gene organization? - New concept beyond the operon theory -
| Organizers : | Gen-ichi Sampei (The University of Electro-Communications) / Naoki Nemoto (Chiba Institute of Technology) |
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We are continuing our exploration of the origin and evolution of primary biomaterials in life systems, aiming at scientifically building a verifiable theory for the origin and evolution of biomaterials and metabolic systems. This year, in order to pursue this discussion further, we will focus on a mechanism for organization of genes on genome. We know that organization of genes on genome is quite different among species, but it is not clear how it occurs. We would like to discuss investigation of a principal mechanism for the organization of genes.
| 3W20-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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Reproduction, as a key phenomenon of mammalian life
| Organizers : | Maki Fukami (National Research Institute for Child Health and Development) / Kenji Miyado (National Research Institute for Child Health and Development) |
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Reproduction is a fundamental biological phenomenon in mammals. Previous studies have shown that mammalian reproduction is under the complex regulation by neuronal and endocrinological systems. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that reproductive function is affected by immunological factors and by aging. This workshop aims to introduce new aspects of mammalian reproduction and discuss the future of fertility preservation technologies.
| 3W22-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 22 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room2A 2F ) |
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Quantitative biology toward trans-omic analysis
| Organizers : | Keiichi Nakayama (Kyushu University) / Sinya Kuroda (The University of Tokyo) |
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Cellular functions are regulated by dynamics of molecular interactions between multiple molecular layers across genome/epigenome,transcriptome, proteome and metabolome, which consists a large-scale"transomic networks". To understand the mechanisms of cellular functions, simultaneous quantitative and global measurements of dynamics in multiple molecular layers will be needed rather than individualanalysis of some targeted molecules that inevitably accompanies researcher's bias. In this symposium, unbiased quantitative biological analysis will be discussed including genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, modified proteome, metabolome and their integration, trans-OMICS analysis.
| 3w24-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 24 (Kobe International Exhibition Hall Room3A 3F) |
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Conversion of cell fate
| Organizers : | Yutaka Kikuchi (Hiroshima University) / Atsushi Suzuki (Kyushu University) |
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During the differentiation process, cells determine their fate by receiving various external information. The determined cell fate is maintained in a stable state via gene regulatory networks. However, when external conditions change greatly, owing to injury or diseases, cells change their fate via activation of regeneration- or disease-related reprogramming. Furthermore, it has been already reported that when specific transcription factors are introduced into cells, cell fate is forcibly converted from one type to another, known as "direct reprogramming." Although the conversion of cell fate by external environmental changes or transcription factors has been intensively analyzed using various model systems, complete control mechanisms are still far from understood. In our workshop, using a variety of model organisms and experimental systems, we introduce research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of cell fate conversion in response to development, regeneration, inflammation, diseases, and environmental changes.
| 3W26-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 26 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall A) |
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Innovative research on post-transcriptional gene expression regulation.
| Organizers : | Akio Yamashita (Yokohama City University ) / Toshinobu Fujiwara (Kinki University) |
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The regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression consists of multiple step, which are critical for various biological phenomenon. Recent advances have revealed that failure in any of these steps of post-transcriptional gene expression regulation can cause genetic disorders. In other words, these steps can also be molecular targets for treatment. In this workshop, we will present recent advance of innovative research on post-transcriptional gene expression regulation which can be used for platforms of the drug discovery.
| 3w27-p | December 3 (Thu) 14:00-16:30 Room 27 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall B) |
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Analysis of local chromatin structure by state-of-the-art technologies and its comprehensive interpretation
| Organizers : | Youichiro Wada (The University of Tokyo) / Hodaka Fujii (Osaka University) |
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Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of genome functions such as transcription and epigenetic regulation requires analysis of local structures of chromatin. Local structures of chromatin are determined by interactions between the specific genomic regions and proteins, RNAs, and other genomic regions. Recent development of technologies allows us to detect these interactions. In this workshop, we will focus on these new technologies such as 3C and its derivatives including ChIAP-PET, locus-specific ChIP, and PICh in the analysis of local chromatin structures. Furthermore, we will shed light on the challenges to unveil the global principle of local chromatin structure regulation by virtue of mathematical modeling approaches including cellular automata, and topology analysis like persistent homology.
| 4W5 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Insect Club formal version in MBSJ for insect geeks 2 Entomology in the future
| Organizers : | Katsuhisa Ozaki (JT Biohistory Research Hall) / Tateo Itoh (Shinshu University) |
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A barrier between the so-called "model organism" and "non-model organism" has become unprecedented lower by extremely remarkable development of next generation sequencers and genome editing technology. We can challenge to the establishment of a wide variety of biological phenomena in insects that stir up curiosity using the evidence of the molecule. Probably number of researchers increases that wants to understand the strange phenomenon of insects by their excellent research technology in the future. This workshop aim to share the information with of-the-art entomology studies and discussion about strategy to understand the mechanism of strange behavior of insects. In addition, we expect that be born new collaboration projects among speakers of ecologist and members of the molecular biology society.
| 4W6 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Expanding research field of NAD+-poly(ADP-ribose) metabolism: from basic science to further clinical application of PARP inhibitor
| Organizers : | Hiroaki Fujimori (National Cancer Center Research Institute) / Akira Sato (Tokyo University of Science) |
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ADP-ribosylation reaction is a modification reaction targeting small to large molecules, including protein and DNA using NAD as a substrate and has been reported to be involved in various responses. Recently, PARP inhibitorｓ that inhibits all PARP-family members are recognized as novel anti-cancer drug for BRCA dysfunctional tumors. Additionally, PARP related signal-responses has been enlarged from DNA repair and necrosis to signal activation via macrodomain, chromatin dynamics, differentiation, and cell death as parthanatos. These accumulating reports for new roles of PARP family could contribute not only further clinical application of PARP inhibitor but also novel drug targeting on NAD+-poly(ADP-ribose) metabolism for cancer and other-disease therapy. In this workshop, the function of signalling molecules in the various ADP-ribosylation reactions and NAD metabolism will be focused and the biological significance and regulation of ADP-ribosylation reactions linked to NAD metabolism will be discussed to activate this research field.
| 4W7 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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Cilia-Centrosome Regulates Dynamics of Biological Systems
| Organizers : | Daiju Kitagawa (National Institute of Genetics) / Yoshihiro Omori (Osaka University) |
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Cilia and centrosomes are inter-convertible organelles that are evolutionarily conserved in most animal cells. Recent studies highlighted that cilia generate directed fluid flow outside of the cell and also transmit an extra-cellular signal into the nucleus. While it is well-known that centrosomes serve as the microtubule organizing center for proper cell division and chromosome segregation, they are also essential for generating cilia across eukaryotic evolution and thus critical for transmitting and expanding extra-cellular information sensed by cilia inside the cell as a platform. This dynamic cilia-centrosome system regulates many biological processes, including asymmetric cell division and left-right axis patterning during development. In fact, cilia-centrosome dysfunction is known to be associated with a variety of diseases including cancer, infertility and genetic disorders such as ciliopathies and primary microcephaly. In this workshop, to understand how the cilia-centrosome system functions in such divergent biological processes, we will cover a variety of topics related to the structure and function of cilia-centrosome, cilia-centrosome-associated diseases and developmental biology.
| 4W8 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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Steroids beyond conventional endocrinology
| Organizers : | Tadashi Ogishima (Kyushu University) / Kuniaki Mukai (Keio University) |
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It has been an established concept that steroid hormones are synthesized and secreted into the systemic circulation (bloodstream) by unique organs such as gonads, placenta and adrenal cortex under the specific manners of regulation to act on the target cells. Recent researches on the synthesis and action of steroids, however, have brought the unexpected results as follows: (1) after a pioneering finding of neurosteroids, growing evidences for non-sytemic steroids in pancreatic beta-cells, liver, cardiovascular systems, muscles and lacrimal glands; (2) sex-independent synthesis of 11-keto androgens in mammalian gonads; (3) a cluster of human adrenocortical cells autonomously producing aldosterone without control of the superior regulators; (4) the steroids in invertebrate and plants completely dissimilar to those of higher organisms in the structure and functions. In this workshop, we aspire to transcend the framework of classical steroid hormones, pursuit the world of steroids through presentation of and discussion on the hot research achievement and make a further leap forward.
| 4W9 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 9 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kikusui Main Building B1F) |
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Reaction Mechanisms in Radical Enzyme - Regulation of the Specificity
| Organizers : | Kazuo Kobayashi (Osaka University) / Motonari Tsubaki (Kobe University) |
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The formation of free radicals during an enzyme reaction was demonstrated directly by a continuous flow method of EPR spectra in 1960 (JBC Centennial 1905-2005). Most of free radicals are so reactive that they usually react with little selectivity and , therefore, these radicals can cause toxic effects. Therefore, major attention has concentrated on the cellular oxidative damages by the toxic radicals. Recently, however, a new class of enzymatic reactions of radicals such as SAM radical enzymes has come to light that were unprecedented. These enzymes by utilizing radical mechanisms catalyze reactions that would be difficult to catalyze. In this workshop, we will discuss novel and fascinating chemical transformation that these enzymes carry out. Methodologies of biochemistry, genetic engineering, biophysics, X-ray crystallography, and theoretical chemistry will open a new horizon on enzyme science.
| 4W10 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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The molecular dissection of interplay between host and microbes: the biology of a struggle for supremacy
| Organizers : | Takeshi Annoura (National Institute of Infectious Diseases) / Naomi Ohnishi (Hokkaido University) |
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Successful pathogenic microbe is locked in a dynamic arms race between the host attempting to limit the microbial infection and microbe surviving by circumventing the host response. The understanding of these strategies often sheds light on brand-new molecular biology due to novel molecular interaction, structure and the host hijacking system. In order to discuss the outstanding molecular biology, this workshop will be organized into subject the hazardous pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbe for accelerate future cross-sectional study.
| 4W11 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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The Real Images of TOR
| Organizers : | Takashi Ushimaru (Shizuoka University) / Tatsuya Maeda (The University of Tokyo) |
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Target of rapamycin (TOR), a conserved protein kinase, regulates diverse cellular events, synthesis of macromolecules, including proteins and lipids, autophagy, cancer, aging and cell death, in response to nutrient availability. However, how TOR are controlled by nutrition or other undesirable stresses is largely unknown. In this workshop, we will talk and discuss various aspects of TOR in various organisms from yeasts to human to construct "the real images" of TOR.
| 4W12 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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New horizons in development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics against dementia
| Organizers : | Taisuke Tomita (The University of Tokyo) / Takashi Saito (RIKEN) |
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In contrast to normal aging of the brain, dementia is caused by several disease mechanisms. A common feature is the proteinopathies such as aberrant protein aggregation. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), both amyloid-b peptide (Ab) and tau play critical roles in the pathogenesis, though their precise function is discussed. Although several potential anti-Ab and tau treatments have been developed, the molecular mechanisms that connect Ab and tau remain unknown. Also disease modifying factors that affect onset, progression and spreading of AD are largely unknown. In this workshop, we will discuss about development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics for dementia including AD with the "next generation" researchers.
| 4W13 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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Glycans tightly correlated with disease - challenges from new research fields
| Organizers : | Yoshiki Yamaguchi (RIKEN) / Kazuo Yamamoto (The University of Tokyo) |
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Physiological functions of glycans have been revealed by various methodologies, including knockdown/overexpression of glyco-genes, substitution of glycosylated amino acid residue, removal/trimming of glycans by glycosidases, and alteration of glycan structure by sugar processing inhibitors. On the other side, it has been reported that many glycans are directly or indirectly involved in certain diseases, upon identification of the responsible genes. These findings are now highlighting the new aspect of glycan functions. Further, new technologies from emerging research fields also deepen our understanding of the glycan functions, such as imaging technology, informatics and molecular simulation. In this workshop entitled as"Glycans tightly correlated with disease", we discuss the molecular mechanism of glycans through the glyco-related diseases, and introduce several technologies from different research areas to bring novel glycan functions.
| 4W16 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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Endosymbiosis on the job
| Organizers : | Kiyotaka Hara (University of Shizuoka) / Tomoyoshi Nozaki (National Institute of Infectious Diseases) |
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Rapid and radical evolution of eukaryotic cells is driven by successive endosymbiosis. Complicated "Matryoshka-type" cell architectures with new additional functions can be created as a result of the elaborate combination of different symbionts within a single host cell. Mimicking existent model systems such as mitochondria and plastids, and further exploiting artificial biochemical and molecular biological maneuvers allow us to initiate a new research field "Symbiotic cell engineering". In this workshop, good examples of these cutting-edge technologies will be presented, following a general introduction of symbiosis and endosymbiosis.
| 4W19 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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tRNA world - New creation of the concept of translation
| Organizers : | Koji Tamura (Tokyo University of Science) / Akiko Soma (Chiba University) |
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The discovery of tRNAs as adapter molecules capable of translating mRNA into protein has provided a qualitative shift in molecular biology since the latter half of the 20th century. During translation, tRNAs aminoacylated with their cognate amino acids are incorporated into the ribosome as directed by an mRNA codon, thereby contributing to protein synthesis. The biochemical reactions carried out by proteins are the essence of life on Earth. Recent discoveries relating to tRNA function have given rise to new concepts in translation, including the origins of tRNA, the chirality and specificity of aminoacylation, and the molecular recognition of tRNA base-modifications, as well as novel mechanisms governing codon decoding, translational quality control, and translation-termination. A "tRNA world" would be an opportunity to discuss new concepts in molecular biology. In this workshop, we will attempt to grasp life's essence by reviewing these recent developments and taking a second look at the process of translation.
| 4W20 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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Molecules supporting fertilization and their surrounding molecular environment
| Organizers : | Naokazu Inoue (Fukushima Medical University) / Shoji Mano (National Institute for Basic Biology) |
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In all sexually reproducing organisms, including animals and plants, the role of conveying genetic information to the next generation has been entrusted entirely to fertilization. Recent studies have revealed that fertilization uses a variety of strategies which employ taxon-dependent molecules. However, it is not clear why such diversification has come about and how the molecules supporting fertilization are controlled. In this workshop, current hot topics in this field will be presented to enhance our understanding of the fertilization strategies among various organisms.
| 4W21 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 21 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 504 + Room 505 5F) |
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Advanced X-ray imaging technologies lead new horizons of life science
| Organizers : | Masataka Kado (Japan Atomic Energy Agency) / Yoshitaka Bessho (RIKEN) |
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Progress in life science has been promoted with the development of bioimaging technology. X-ray microscopy has potentials of high spatial resolution and large depth of focus. Therefore, it has been long expected for the contribution to life science as an advanced imaging technology that enables in-situ observations of live biological specimens without any staining and fixation treatments. This situation has now been realized, through the recent development of X-ray sources such as the X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) of SACLA and the bright short-pulsed laser-plasma X-rays (LPX). Several important biological phenomena have been observed in detail, such as the transfer mechanism of genetic information and the structural deformation of the apoptotic nuclei. We will discuss the forefront and the prospects of X-ray imaging technology in life science.
| 4W26 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 26 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall A) |
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Interconversion between universality and diversity of genomic stress response
| Organizers : | Tsuyoshi Ikura (Kyoto University) / Akira Kakizuka (Kyoto University) |
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Comprehensive analysis of the genomes and proteomes provided new insights into the role of genome stress response networks in malignant and neurodegenerative diseases. It is time to interconvert between universality and diversity of genomic stress responses for comprehensive understanding of the disorders. We will discuss about potential roles of genome stress responses in malignant and neurodegenerative diseases.
| 4W27 | December 4 (Fri) 9:00-11:30 Room 27 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall B) |
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Integration Systems for Biological and Environmental Timing
| Organizers : | Kazuhiro Yagita (Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine) / Yoshitaka Fukada (The University of Tokyo) |
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The circadian clock cycles about 24 hours and regulates various physiological phenomena such as sleep-wake cycle, body temperature and energy metabolism in mammals. Light and many other environmental time cues cause phase-shifts of the circadian clock, and thus physiological rhythms can synchronize with the environmental cycles. Disturbance of light-dark schedule such as irregular life style and shift-work causes dysfunction of circadian clocks. Recently it is recognized that, during the developmentally immature stage and in old age, the output of the circadian clock is weak and its adaptive property is fragile. It is now important to explore the mechanism underlying these changes, in order to understand the integrative systems for the biological and the environmental timing. In this workshop, we propose challenging approaches to these issues.
| 4W2-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 2 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 1 Main Building B1F) |
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Regulatory mechanisms of genome function by hierarchical modulation of chromatin structure
| Organizers : | Hitoshi Kurumizaka (Waseda University) / Masahiko Harata (Tohoku University) |
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Genome functions, including transcription and the maintenance of integrity, are governed by chromatin structures, and the orchestration of genome function is required for the development and differentiation of organisms. Chromatin structures are modulated at multiple levels of structural hierarchy; for example, histone modifications and histone variants affect the characteristics of chromatin components and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes and histone chaperones modulate higher chromatin structures. Furthermore, the cell nucleus regulates spatial and temporal localization of chromatin loci and also facilitates the accumulation of chromatin factors in functional loci. This hierarchical regulation of chromatin structure contributes to the complex function of the genome. However, this hierarchy interferes with understanding of the molecular mechanisms of regulation of genome function. In this workshop, we will present recent research on the hierarchical and spatiotemporal chromatin organization, which has been achieved using current molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, live-cell imaging, and computational modeling technologies.
| 4W3-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 3 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 2 Main Building B1F) |
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Blood Vessels as Targets of Regeneration for Health and Destruction to Cure Cancer
| Organizers : | Jun K. Yamashita (Kyoto University) / Tetsuro Watabe (Tokyo Mediccal and Dental University) |
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Blood vessels play important roles not only in the maintenance of tissue homeostatis, but also in the progression and metastasis of cancer. Moreover, recent findings have unveiled new roles of blood vessels during the formation of three-dimensional structure of solid tissues such as liver. Therefore, understanding of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological angiogenesis is crucial in basic and clinical science. In this workshop, we aim to introduce the frontiers in vascular biology focusing on their significance in regenerative medicine and medical oncology.
| 4W4-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 4 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kairaku 3 Main Building B1F) |
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New Technology and Molecular Biology of "Life-Aging-Disease-Death"
| Organizers : | Tomoaki Tanaka (Chiba University) / Tohru Minamino (Niigata University) |
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Recent cutting-edge technology in molecular biology field, genetic studies have revealed regulatory network of aging process, cell to cell and organ to organ communication. It is now well appreciated that these include the nutrient-sencing pathways (such as insulin and mTor signals), and transcriptional and chromatin regulations (Sirtuins etc) with profound consequences. Importantly as well, it is also evident that molecules that regulate cellular senescence and apoptosis (such as p53 and p16) are critically involved in aging process and pathogenesis of its associated diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, a testament to importance and crosstalk of transcriptional and epigenetic regulators in the four inevitables in our life. In this workshop, we discuss about the forefront of molecular biology in "Life-Aging-Disease-Death" and hopefully find out and share the future direction in this field.
| 4W5-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 5 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Waraku Main Building B1F) |
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Epigenetic regulations in environmental responses
| Organizers : | Takashi Kondo (Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology) / Kyoichi Isono (RIKEN) |
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Living organisms alter their phenotypes alongside with alterations of transcriptional regulations as accommodation to environmental variations, such as alimentation (chemical), climate (physical), etc. These are so-called "epigenetic responses" without accompanied genetic changes of DNA sequences in individuals, and have influences to rate of pathogenic crisis. Recently, it starts to be known that those changes not only alter the phenotypes of individuals under such circumstantial stresses but their descendents without exposure towards such environments. We wish to discuss from the viewpoint of micro-environmental changes surrounding cells which will decipher molecular mechanisms of environmental responses, to the level of macro-phenotypic influences on individual living organisms, especially, taking notice on trans-generational propagation from environmental variations of parental organisms.
| 4W6-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 6 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ikuta Main Building B1F) |
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Cutting Edge of the Research for Protein Phosphatases: The Bridge to Medical Innovation
| Organizers : | Kazuyasu Sakaguchi (Hokkaido University) / Takashi Matozaki (Kobe University) |
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Protein phosphatases are important for regulation of various cell functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration and adhesion. Deregulation of protein phosphorylation is thought be closely related to the pathogenesis of various disorders such as cancers, inflammation, and metabolic diseases. By the use of genetic or proteomic analysis as well as of gene-modified mice, recent investigation has uncovered the novel functions of the protein phosphatase in the physiology but also abnormalities of these enzymes in diseases. Moreover, new drugs, which are targeted specifically to the protein phosphatase, have been extensively developed against cancers or other disorders. Here we have a workshop, in which selected speakers will talk about the most recent progress in the basic research of protein phosphatases as well as its clinical applications, in BMB2015.
| 4W7-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 7 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Nunobiki Main Building B1F) |
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Integrated Lipid Biology Research in the Post-Lipidomics Era
| Organizers : | Yoshio Hirabayashi (RIKEN) / Makoto Ito (Kyushu University) |
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Cellular membranes are comprised of thousands of different lipid species. Due to the incredible advances in mass spectrometry during the last decade, our knowledge on the diversity of molecular species, metabolism, large-scale network and function of lipids expanded rapidly. Despite the demonstrated power of lipidomics analysis, even today new lipid species with unique biological functions are identified by conventional methods. Yet, it is still unclear why so many lipid species emerged during evolution and which biological implication this molecular diversity provides. Answering these basic questions is very important to further the understanding of the cause, to prevent the onset and to develop novel treatments of human diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, Alzheimers disease and infectious diseases. This can only be accomplished by improving and strengthening a systematic, multidisciplinary research approach, including the development of novel lipid probing technologies. Consequently, this symposium is focused on novel lipids and their metabolism, on proteins involved in controlling lipid dynamics and on new technologies to probe and visualize lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions, to accelerate the research on integrated lipid biology.
| 4W8-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 8 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Kitano Main Building B1F) |
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Frontier of Metals in Biology
| Organizers : | Yoshitsugu Shiro (RIKEN) / Koichiro Ishimori (Hokkaido University) |
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Metal ions, particularly transition metals, are essential elements in various kinds of biological processes. In this symposium, we focus on transition metals essential for life and examine their dynamics in cells, interaction with proteins, regulation mechanism for protein functions, and homeostasis in vivo. Based on the intensive discussion from various aspects of transition metals, we will provide a general view of the researches to clarify the essential roles of transition metals in vivo, and the future studies for metals in biology will be discussed.
| 4W10-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 10 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Topaz South Wing B1F) |
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Chemical biology of RNA regulation
| Organizers : | Naoyuki Kataoka (Kyoto University) / Tokio Tani (Kumamoto University) |
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In eukaryotes, RNAs are transcribed from genome DNAs as primary transcripts. After transcription, RNAs are subjected to many regulatory steps such as alternative splicing, RNA editing, translation and regulation by non-coding RNAs and miRNAs. Recently many small chemical compounds that affect these regulatory steps have been identified and the research in RNA chemical biology field has made a great progress. In this workshop, we would like to introduce several topics of RNA chemical biology from basic science of molecular mechanism for RNA regulation to application to therapeutic approaches for diseases caused by defects in RNA regulation. We also hope to have fruitful discussion for the future of RNA chemical biology.
| 4W11-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 11 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Emerald South Wing B1F) |
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Developmental plasticity, robustness and coordination in plants
| Organizers : | Masaaki Umeda (Nara Institute of Science and Technology) / Toshiro Ito (Nara Institute of Science and Technology) |
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Plant growth and development depends on self-renewing pluripotent stem cells that are maintained at the growing tips of shoots. The maintenance and differentiation of stem cells are regulated by a well-coordinated interplay of hormone signalling and transcriptional events that respond to ever-changing environmental conditions. Plants are plastic to environmental changes and achieve well-coordinated organogenesis and maximized growth. In this workshop we will discuss the up-to-date information on the genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie developmental plasticity, robustness and coordination in plants.
| 4W12-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 12 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Diamond South Wing B1F) |
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New Paradigm Creation in Personalized and Preventive Medicine - the Gift from Big medical data and Supercomputer -
| Organizers : | Satoru Miyano (The University of Tokyo) / Seiya Imoto (The University of Tokyo) |
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Rapid progress in genome analysis technology and the advent of high-precision measuring instruments have been generating big medical data in the research and medical fields. And, the progress of supercomputers, represented by K computer, makes unprecedented advanced researches of big data analysis and simulation possible. These researches are expected to further advance the life science and medical science, and to create new paradigm to improve the health of citizens. Considering present and future supercomputers, we would like to discuss the integration of big medical data analysis and hierarchical integrated simulation of life, and the research strategy for personalized medicine and preventive medicine to extend the healthy life-span of citizens.
| 4W13-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 13 (Kobe Portopia Hotel Ruby South Wing B1F) |
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Origins and evolution of life in the universe: Chance and necessity
| Organizers : | Akihiko Yamagishi (Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences) / Ichiro Hirao (RIKEN) |
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Extra solar planet candidates have exceeded 5000. Searching for life there became the target of scientific exploration. The explorations for life and organic compound in solar system are in progress and planed. Are emergence and evolution of life by chance or necessity? Is the style of terrestrial life by chance or necessity? Were amino acid species and DNA selected by chance or necessity? Are multicellular organisms inevitable or not. We are to address these fundamental questions on origins and evolution of life.
| 4W15-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 15 (Kobe International Conference Center International Conference Room 3F) |
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"Hypoxia biology" the roles of hypoxia signaling in homeostasis
| Organizers : | Masahiro Inoue (Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases) / Norihiko Takeda (The University of Tokyo) |
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Hypoxia is a condition in which each organ or a cell is at low oxygen levels due to imbalance of oxygen supply and demand. Prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein (PHD) or hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) plays a central role in cellular hypoxia response. In addition, accumulating evidence elucidated the roles of hypoxia signaling in intracellular metabolism, epigenetics and proliferation. In this session, we will discuss about the roles of hypoxia signaling in the maintenance of tissue or organ homeostasis.
| 4W16-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 16 (Kobe International Conference Center Reception Hall 3F) |
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Regulation of cell signaling by glycans
| Organizers : | Tetsuya Okajima (Nagoya University) / Hiromu Takematsu (Kyoto University) |
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Every cell of every organism is coated with a dense layer of glycans. Moreover, nearly all cell-surface signaling molecules are modified with glycans. Therefore, intercellular communication and interaction of cell surface signaling molecules occur in the microenvironment surrounded by glycans. Since glycans are complex and their expressions are specific yet diverse, glycans are good candidate molecules to achieve the regulation of complex cellular communication. This workshop provides the most recent topics in glycan-mediated signal regulation and underlying molecular mechanisms elucidated by the research inside and outside the field of glycobiology.
| 4W19-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 19 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 501 5F) |
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Frontiers in Muscle Biology
| Organizers : | Motoi Kanagawa (Kobe University) / Yusuke Ono (Nagasaki University) |
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Skeletal muscle is composed of multiple myofibers that are responsible for movement and locomotion by generating contraction forces. In the mid to late 20th Century, Japanese scientists made a significant contribution to understanding of the machinery in muscle contraction. In recent years, with cutting-edge technologies in biochemistry and molecular biology, molecular and cellular basis of muscle plasticity has been elucidated, e.g., noncoding RNA and post-translational modifications dictate muscle function; how muscle stem cells are regulated during muscle development and regeneration. Skeletal muscle, the largest tissue in the human body accounting for 40-50% of the body weight, plays a pivotal role in glucose metabolism, and thus has begun to be recognized as a therapeutic target to improve insulin resistance. Accumulating evidence has also revealed that skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ producing cytokines and peptides called "myokines" acting in an autocrine or paracrine hormone-like manner. Now, a holistic and integrative understanding of muscle biology is definitely demanded to provide innovative strategies in developing new drugs and therapies for muscular dystrophies and locomotive syndrome including age-related muscle atrophy as well as lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome, and may contribute to improve motor function and quality of life for the upcoming super-aged society and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. In this WS, we will discuss recent breakthroughs in muscle biology from the point of view with BMB and find new horizon of integrative muscle biology.
| 4W20-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 20 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 502 5F) |
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We love microorganisms as research materials
| Organizers : | Yutaka Kawarabayashi (Kyushu University) / Makoto Kimura (Kyushu University) |
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Presently main interest of general people is focused on identification of disease genes from human genome, or development of regeneration therapy. However, the organism which brought most benefit to human beings was and is microorganism. The fermentation food, treatment food, preservative effect, and antibiotic medicines are produced by microorganisms. When entire genome sequence of microorganism was determined, several unknown function genes are detected in the genome. Also on our planet 99 % of microorganisms are still remaining as uncultivable microorganisms. These findings indicate that microorganisms are valuable gene resource. In this workshop, therefore, researchers, who utilize microorganisms as material and different approaches, are invited. Also the opportunity for discussion about future effectiveness and possibility of microorganisms will be provided in this workshop.
| 4W21-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 21 (Kobe International Conference Center Room 504 + Room 505 5F) |
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The biology of a relationship: evolution driven by parasitism and symbiosis
| Organizers : | Kisaburo Nagamune (National Institute of Infectious Diseases) / Osamu Kaneko (Nagasaki University) |
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Survival of all living organisms is dependent on interactions with other organisms. This interaction between self and non-self is a potential force driving biological evolution, and the understanding of such interactions at the molecular and biochemical levels would provide keys to understand the evolutionary process. Examples of such interactions include: hosts and their intestinal bacteria, endosymbiosis-derived organelles and host cells, the unrelenting war between pathogens and hosts, the resulting co-evolutions, and gene transfers. In this workshop, we will feature recent research topics aiming at deciphering "the biology of parasitic and symbiotic relationships" by molecular and/or biochemical approaches. We hope that this workshop will illuminate the importance of the relationship between living organisms.
| 4W26-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 26 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall A) |
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The cutting edge of technologies for manipulating and surveying cells directed toward industrial applications
| Organizers : | Satoshi Fujita (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) / Masahiro Kawahara (The University of Tokyo) |
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Owing to the advances of molecular biology and biochemistry, our knowledge on various cellular events has been accumulated rapidly. Meanwhile, smart technologies for manipulating, processing, surveying and evaluating cells have been developed on the basis of such knowledge, and have attracted much attention to the biomedical research community. These technologies allow the identification of useful molecules as well as the production of usefully processed cells, which are subsequently subjected to industrial applications including protein production, drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Especially, recent progress is so prominent for the following technologies; cell-engineering technologies using genetic and protein engineering together with evaluative and supportive technologies such as cell array and delivery; 3D tissue-forming technologies based on measuring and understanding cellular behavior; cell-manipulation technologies equipped with microfluidic devices. These technologies are currently making innovations on producing therapeutics, selecting drug targets, and readily and arbitrarily forming complex 3D tissues. This workshop aims to introduce the cutting-edge studies of young researchers who are energetically developing technologies for manipulating and surveying cells, and to discuss the future prospects of this field.
| 4W27-p | December 4 (Fri) 14:00-16:30 Room 27 (The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3F Kami-sho Hall B) |
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Aberrant mRNA decay in pathogenesis of various diseases
| Organizers : | Osamu Takeuchi (Kyoto University) / Keiji Kuba (Akita University) |
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Gene mutations are known to induce aberrant mRNA decay or splicing, which result in pathogenesis of familial psycho-neuronal disorder, malignant tumors, etc., and conversely the mutations had contributed to elucidating mechanisms of RNA metabolism. On the other hand, abnormal mRNA decay has been regarded as rare events in hereditary diseases or certain cancers and has been questioned for the significance of other common diseases. Recently, the significant roles of RNA decay factors in tissue and cellular homeostasis have been established; for instance, discovery of endo-ribonuclease Ragnase-1 in cytokine signaling, elucidation of CCR4-NOT deadenylase in heart functions and obesity and fat metabolism, and identification of Ataxin-2 as an RNA stabilizing factor. Accordingly, catastrophic malfunctions of mRNA decay machinery are now anticipated causative for disease pathogenesis. In this workshop, we discuss physiological roles of mRNA machinery and aberrant mRNA decay involved in various disease pathogenesis.