Sym. 01. Neural Networks for Animal Behavior

October 21 (Tue), 13:00-15:00, Rm. 101

• * Sponsored by the Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science
• ChiHye Chung, Ph.D. (Konkuk University, Korea)
• Thomas L. Kash, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA)
• Jin-Hee Han, Ph.D. (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Suk-Ho Lee, Ph.D. (Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Jong-Cheol Rah, Ph.D. (Korea Brain Research Institute, Korea)

Neural cells and their intricate networks are responsible for all our perceptions, thoughts and actions. Understanding how cellular and synaptic mechanisms within neural circuits produce behavior is a fundamental goal of science. To achieve that goal, we need deep appreciation of behavior as well as a detailed knowledge of the underlying underpinnings. Pioneering scientists have established the related fields of behavioral genetics and neural plasticity toward genuine secrets of animal behaviors including learning and memory and emotion. These two approaches have recently been combined unprecedentedly, effectively fuelled by powerful new technical tools such as optogenetics. At this symposium, leading researchers studying neural circuit and plasticity will present exciting new results and prompt better understanding for how neural circuits mediate behavior.

Organizer & Chair : Joung-Hun Kim, Ph.D. (Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)

Sym. 02. Cell Cycle Checkpoint and Chromatin Dynamics

October 21 (Tue), 13:00-15:35, Rm. 102

• * Sponsored by the Genomic Instability Research Center
• Youngsoo Lee, Ph.D. (Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea)
• Chang-Woo Lee, Ph.D. (Sungkyunkwan Universiry School of Medicine, Korea)
• Cheol Yong Choi, Ph.D. (Sungkyunkwan University, Korea)
• Jongbum Kwon, Ph.D. (Ewha Womans University, Korea)
• Lih Wen Deng, Ph.D. (National University of Singapore, Singapore)

Surveillance mechanisms stop cell cycle progression at specific checkpoints. The checkpoint proteins survey DNA damage and improper chromosome segregation and therefore, they are essential for maintaining genomic integrity and balanced cell division. In addition to oscillating activities of cyclin-dependent kinases, various kinases and phosphatases have been emphasized for their important roles in genome surveillance. Meanwhile, DNA is packaged by histones, non-histone proteins and RNA into chromatin. The packaged chromatin restricts the nuclear proteins from gaining access to their DNA target, and chromatin remodeling and histone modification therefore have pivotal roles in all chromatin-based nuclear processes. Interestingly, the genome-wide exchange of histones with basic non-histone DNA-packaging proteins occurs in post-meiotic male germ cells. This session will feature 5 internationally recognized speakers who will present and discuss current research in this fast-paced field.

Organizer & Chair : Hyeseong Cho, Ph.D. (Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea)

Sym. 03. Molecular Pathogenesis and Host Responses during Pathogenic Bacterial Infection

October 21 (Tue), 13:00-15:00, Rm. 103

• * Sponsored by the Chungnam National University Infection Signaling Network Research Center
• Ambrose L. Cheung, M.D. (Darthmouth Medical School, USA)
• Joon Haeng Rhee, M.D., Ph.D. (Chonnam National University Medical School, Korea)
• Eun-Kyeong Jo, M.D., Ph.D. (Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Korea)
• TaeOk Bae, Ph.D. (Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest (IUSM-NW), USA)
• Kurt L. Krause, Ph.D. (University of Otago, New Zealand)
• Bok Luel Lee, Ph.D. (Pusan National University, Korea)

Currently, three pathogenic bacteria, such as Mycobacteria, Virbio and Staphylococcal bacteria, are raising serious problems due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains in clinic. To develop novel vaccines for protection from these bacterial infections, we urgently need to understand the molecular pathogenesis and host responses during these three notorious pathogenic bacterial infections. In this symposium, four experts who are working in the molecular pathogenesis and host responses of these three pathogenic bacteria will present their recent research achievement and prospective of strategies for development of novel vaccine candidates against these three pathogenic bacteria. Especially, Dr. Cheung who is currently working as a section editor of PLoS Pathogens will present his recent great achievements in S. aureus toxin-antitoxin research field. Dr. Rhee will present the data of host-pathogen interaction in Vibrio vulnificus infection and Dr. Jo will present her recent data regarding the role of AMPK and autophagy in mycobacterial infection. Dr. Bae will present S. aureus two component system and host exploitation. Finally, Dr. Lee will present the data of how human serum host factors recognize Staphylococcal. cell wall components.

Organizer & Chair : Bok Luel Lee, Ph.D. (College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Korea)

Sym. 04. Cell Behaviors in 3D Environment

October 21 (Tue), 13:00-15:00, Rm. 104

• * Sponsored by the Cell Dynamics Research Center
• Minsoo Noh, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Suresh K. Alahari, Ph.D. (Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, USA )
• Min Chul Park, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Kyu-Won Kim, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Jung Weon Lee, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Jean-Ju L. Chung, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School, USA)

Cell microenvironment consists of soluble factors (including growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines), neighboring cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. These microenvironmental cues play important roles in dynamic communications between intracellular and extracellular spaces for diverse cellular functions or behaviors as regulators and effecters as well. Unlike cellular functions in 2 dimensional (2D) environment, understanding those in 3D environment surrounded by diverse
extracellular cues would be much beneficial for us to improve the successful rates to develop therapeutic reagents to deal with human diseases resulted from abnormal cell functions, during preclinical and clinical trials.

Organizer & Chair : Jung Weon Lee, Ph.D. (College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Korea)

Sym. 05. Redox in Diseases

October 21 (Tue), 13:00-15:00, Rm. 105

• * by a program of Redoxomic Research of the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF), Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (MSIP) (No. 2012M3A9C5048706)
• Yves Gorin, Ph.D. (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA)
• Yun Soo Bae, Ph.D. (Ewha Womans University, Korea)
• Jae-Hong Kim, Ph.D. (Korea University, Korea)
• Sang Won Kang, Ph.D. (Ewha Womans University, Korea)
• Jongmin Lee, M.D., Ph.D. (Konkuk University, Korea)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) encompassed superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) are thought to be by-product damaging to DNA, protein, and lipid in aerobic respiration. Intracellular reactive oxygen species are generated from mitochondrial respiratory chain, enzymatic activation of cytochrome p450, and activation of NADPH oxidase. Generation of ROS is implicated in the maintenance of redox homeostasis and various cellular signaling pathways. This session will provide recent findings in which cytosolic and membrane proteins regulate ROS generation for intracellular redox signaling and pathogenesis.

Organizer & Chair : Yun Soo Bae, Ph.D. (Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Korea)

YI. 01. Young Investigators' Session 1

October 21 (Tue), 10:00-12:00, Rm. 101

• Jae-Ho Lee (Keimyung University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Mi-Jin Lee (Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Korea)
• Hye-Won Yum (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Eun Mi Kim (Korea Institute of Radiological &Medical Sciences, Korea & Ewha Woman's University, Korea)
• Hyunjoo Kim (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Jongdoo Kim (Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Korea & University of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Daehwan Kim (Chung-Ang University, Korea)
• Jeong-Min Park (Department of Biological Science, Dong-A University, Korea)

Organizer & Chair : Sang-Kye Ye, Ph.D. (Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Kore)

YI. 02. Young Investigators' Session 2

October 21 (Tue), 10:00-11:50, Rm. 102

• Hyeyoon Lee (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Suresh Ramakrishna (Hanyang University, Korea)
• Jun-Sub Im (University of Virginia, USA & Seoul National University, Korea)
• Mi-Ran Lee (Ewha Womans University, Korea)
• Dayea Kim (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Ki-Suk Kim (Kyung Hee University, Korea)
• Hanhae Kim (Yonsei University, Korea)

Organizer & Chair : Hyun-Shik Lee, Ph.D. (School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Korea)

YI. 03. Young Investigators' Session 3

October 21 (Tue), 10:00-12:00, Rm. 103

• Chunkyu Ko (Yonsei University, Korea & Institut Pasteur Korea, Korea)
• Hee-Young Kim (Institut Pasteur Korea, Korea)
• Seonmi Jo (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea & Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Murat Artan (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Ara Cho (Yonsei University, Korea)
• Key-Hwan Lim (CHA university, Korea)
• Hyung Jin Cha (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Ara Hwang (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)

Organizer & Chair : Sang Sun Yoon, Ph.D. (Department of Microbiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea)

YI. 04. Young Investigators' Session 4

October 21 (Tue), 10:00-12:00, Rm. 104

• Donghwi Ko (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Jong Hee Im (Korea University, Korea)
• Jaechul Lim (Institute for Basic Science, Korea & Seoul National University, Korea)
• Kyung-Rok Yu (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Hyung-Sik Kim (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Eun Kyoung Do (Pusan National University, Korea)
• Dae Hyun Lee (Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands)
• Jaewang Ghim (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)

Organizer & Chair : Jong Kuk Park, Ph.D. (Department of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Korea)

NIH. Translational Science through Biobanking: Application and Opportunities

October 21 (Tue), 10:00-11:50, Rm. 105

• Sangyun Cho, Ph.D. (Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea)
• Seong Beom Cho, M.D., Ph.D. (Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea)
• Shin-Seok Lee, M.D., Ph.D. (Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Korea)
• Jung Kyoon Choi, Ph.D. (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea)
• So Ra Park, M.D., Ph.D. (Pohang Univerisity of Science and Technology, Korea)

A biobank is a biorepository that collects, processes, stores and distributes biospecimens and the associated data for use in health research. The field of biobanking has gradually evolved in response to the research needs of specific projects and investigators, which is attributed to emerging fields such as genomics, proteomics and personalized medicine. In Korea, National biobank of Korea (NBK) plays a role as the centralized population-wide government repository by managing Korea biobank network composed of 17 regional biobanks and providing infrastructure to the multitude of studies such as clinical researches, biomarkers, genome-wide studies, disease prediction etc. In this session we show supports of a national biobank to researchers and representative examples of successful utilization of human bioresources. We hope that this session improves your understanding for utilization of human bioresources to translational research and gives directions as to how you can apply effectively them to your study.

Organizer & Chair : Bokghee Han, Ph.D. (Center for Genome Science, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea)

Sym. 06 Biomakers with Proteomics

October 22 (Wed), 09:30-11:30, Rm. 101

• Je-Yoel Cho, D.V.M., Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Henrik Wernéus, Ph.D. (AlbaNova University Center, Sweden)
• Bonghee Lee, D.V.M., Ph.D. (Gachon University, Korea)
• Kwang Pyo Kim, Ph.D. (Kyung Hee University, Korea)
• Kyu-Tae Kim, Ph.D. (AbClon, Korea)
• Hannah Lee, Ph.D. (Lincoln University, New Zealand)

Biomarkers are measurable signatures that reflect physiological, pharmacological, or disease processes through the life. Proteomics based approaches for biomarker investigation can be employed in different aspects of medicine, such as elucidation of pathways affected in disease, identification of individuals who are at a high risk of developing disease for prognosis and prediction of response, identification of individuals who are most likely to respond to specific therapeutic interventions, and prediction of which patients will develop specific side effects. All of this contributes to improvement in patient care by using biomarkers in so-called personalized medicine approaches. The progress and challenges in the translational application of proteomic technologies will be introduced at the symposium of 'Biomakers with Proteomics' by our invited speakers in academia and industry.

Organizer & Chair : Jong-Seo Lee, Ph.D. (AbClon Inc., Korea)

Sym. 07. Developmental Signal Transduction in Embryogenesis

October 22 (Wed), 09:30-11:30, Rm. 102

• * Sponsored by the Signaling Disorder Research Center
• Tae Joo Park, Ph.D. (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Ira Daar, Ph.D. (National Cancer Institute-Frederick, USA)
• Sally Moody, Ph.D. (The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA)
• Hosung Jung, Ph.D. (Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea)

Experiments using embryos of various animal model systems have led the way in understanding signal transduction pathways in the early development of vertebrates. Since the power of amphibian embryology including obtaining embryos of all stages and relatively large size, the detailed cell fate maps and simple micromanipulations, such as microinjection and microsurgery were allowed. In recent decades, Xenopus embryonic system has become to exclusive experimental embryology model system in amphibians. During this period, various new techniques have been developed and advanced for Xenopus embryonic system, and vast numbers of fantastic and fabulous findings were accomplished by many distinguished scientists including John B. Gurdon (Nobel prize winner), Sally A. Moody, and Ira O. Daar (today's speakers). In this session, we are going to discuss about novel results and techniques using Xenopus as an animal model system, to understand developmental signal transduction pathways during vertebrate embryogenesis.

Organizer & Chair : Hyun-Shik Lee, Ph.D. (School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Korea)

Sym. 08. Molecular Imaging for Cell Biology

October 22 (Wed), 09:30-11:25, Rm. 103

• * Sponsored by the Center for Cell to Cell Communication in Cancer
• Sungchul Hohng, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Nam Ki Lee, Ph.D. (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Tae-Young Yoon, Ph.D. (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Akihiro Kusumi, Ph.D. (Kyoto University, Japan)
• Real-Time Visualization of Protein-Protein Collisions on a Single DNA Molecule
  Jayil Lee, Ph.D. (Columbia University Medical Center, USA)
  

Many biological phenomena are regulated by a variety of dynamic molecular processes in space and time. Recently, novel imaging technologies and various fascinating tools have been developed to examine individual molecules in vitro and in vivo using fluorescence. These advances enabled that dynamic molecular events can be visually presented, characterized, and quantified at the single-molecule level. This state of the art technology can improve the profound understanding of fundamental molecular mechanisms in cell biology, and can help to characterize various diseases by providing insights for underlying molecular mechanisms. We hope audiences to share the current progresses in molecular imaging technologies and their potentials in cell biology.

Organizer & Chair : Sung Ho Ryu, Ph.D. (Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea)

Sym. 09. Gene Expression Control in Plants

October 22 (Wed), 09:30-11:35, Rm. 104

• * Sponsored by the Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science
• Jong Chan Hong, Ph.D.(Department of Biochemistry, Gyeongsang National University, Korea)
• Ryoung Shin, Ph.D. (RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Japan)
• Yoo-Sun Noh, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Hak Soo Seo, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Ohkmae K. Park, Ph.D. (Korea University, Korea)

Cells possess diverse and complicated mechanisms for selective expression of genes. This allows cells to express specific proteins when needed during growth and development, responses to environmental stimuli, and adaptation to nutritional conditions. Gene expression is controlled through the steps leading to the synthesis of proteins, primarily at the levels of transcription, RNA processing, and translation. This session will cover the gene expression control during nutrient signaling (R. Shin), light-dependent developmental processes such as seed germination (Y.-S. Noh) and flowering (J.C. Hong), and responses to hormones such as gibberellin (H.S. Seo) and ethylene (O.K. Park) in plants. Speakers will talk and discuss about transcription factors and their interaction network, and epigenetic reprogramming at the transcription level, and sumoylation at the translation level.

Organizer & Chair : Ohkmae K. Park, Ph.D. (Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Korea)

Sym. 10. Power of Physical Activity

October 22 (Wed), 09:30-11:00, Rm. 105

• Simon Schenk, Ph.D. (University of California, San Diego, USA)
• Hyo Bum Kwak, Ph.D. (nha University, Korea)
• Jin Han, M.D., Ph.D. (Inje University, Korea)
• Wook Song, M.D., Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)

The lack of exercise and movement in combination with a hyper caloric nutrition and physical inactivity are the main reason for chronic disease, such as obesity, T2 diabetes. It is recommended physical exercise to lose weight and improve insulin sensitivity while focusing on three aspects of physical activity: every day activities, resistance and endurance training. An increase of everyday activities and a constant resistance and endurance training will help to keep the muscular mass and increases the physical working capacity. It burns calories and therefore reduces weight. Adequate a recommended type of movement are water gymnastics, Nordic walking, cycling and strength training. It is also allowed to do other sports, if the person already has some experience. If possible the power control should be taken from the parameters of a performance test (cardiac performance, resistance). This session will present 4 speakers whose recent findings on the structural basis for the cellular signaling.

Organizer & Chair : Jin Han, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Korea)

Sym. 11. Alteration of Energy Metabolism Leads to Metabolic Dysfunctions in Human

October 22 (Wed), 15:40-17:30, Rm. 101

• * Sponsored by the Center for Metabolic Function Regulation
• National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Nuclear Receptor Signals
• Hueng-Sik Choi, Ph.D. (Chonnam National University, Korea)
• Minho Shong, M.D., Ph.D. (Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Korea)
• George Thomas, M.D. (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Spain)
• Sara Kozma, Ph.D. (University of Cincinnati, USA)
• Sara Kozma, Ph.D. (University of Cincinnati, USA)

Metabolism is the process that human body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. Food is made up of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Chemicals in your digestive system break the food parts down into sugars and acids, your body's fuel. Human body can use this fuel right away, or it can store the energy in body tissues, such as liver, muscles, and body fat. A metabolic disorder occurs when abnormal chemical reactions in body disrupt this energy metabolism. When this happens, you might have too much of some substances or too little of other ones that you need to stay healthy. Therefore a metabolic disorder can be developed when some organs, such as liver or pancreas, become diseased or do not function normally. This symposium deals with this process in various aspect of energy metabolism including orphan nuclear receptor, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and mTOR/S6K1 signaling.

Organizer & Chair : Jongsun Park, Ph.D. (College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Korea)

Sym. 12. Microtubule and Cell Morphology

October 22 (Wed), 15:40-17:25, Rm. 102

• * Sponsored by the Bioimaging Research Center
• Tang K. Tang, Ph.D. (Academia Sinica, Taiwan)
• Kunsoo Rhee, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Seungbok Lee, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Young Yang, Ph.D. (Sookmyung Women's University, Korea)
• Jeong Su Oh, Ph.D. (Sungkyunkwan University, Korea)

Cells in an organism reveal diverse morphology. Microtubule is a key cytoskeletal component to determine cell morphology. Centrosome functions as a microtubule-organizing center in most animal cells. In this session, we will discuss recent progresses in the centrosome and microtubule research field. Dr. Kunsoo Rhee will discuss regulatory factor to control microtubule stability in neuronal cells. Dr. Seungbok Lee will discuss the microtubule structure in neurons. Dr. Young Yang will discuss regulatory mechanisms to control centrosome separation. Finally, Dr. Tang Tang will discuss how the centrosome is regulated during the cell cycle.

Organizer & Chair : Kunsoo Rhee, Ph.D. (Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Korea)

Sym. 13. Tumor Microenvironment and Metabolism

October 22 (Wed), 15:40-17:40, Rm. 103

• * Sponsored by the Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center
• Young Nyun Park, M.D., Ph.D. (Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Stephanie Ma, Ph.D. (The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)
• Sang-Kyu Ye, Ph.D. (Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Yun-Han Lee, Ph.D. (Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Hyunggee Kim, Ph.D. (Korea University, Korea)
• Ee Sin Chen, Ph.D. (National University of Singapore, Singapore)

Cancer is an aggressive and severe disease with a poor clinical outcome. The tumor microenvironment is created by the tumor and dominated by various tumor-induced interactions, such as inhibition of immune cell functions, apoptosis of anti-tumor effector cells and expansion of cancer stem cells, which are accomplished through the activation of one or several molecular mechanisms. Cancer cell metabolism is characterized by an enhanced uptake and utilization of glucose, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. The persistent activation of aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells can be linked to activation of oncogenes or loss of tumor suppressors, thereby fundamentally advancing tumor progression. In this session, we will talk about recent advances in understanding cellular and molecular pathways operating in the tumor microenvironment and emerging therapeutic strategies to block tumor progression.

Organizer & Chair : Yun-Han Lee, Ph.D. (Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea)

Sym. 14. Dietary/Natural Product Influences on Inflammation and Epigenetics

October 22 (Wed), 15:40-17:50, Rm. 104

• * Sponsored by the College of Pharmacy, CHA University
• Young-Joon Surh, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)
• Jung Han Yoon Park, Ph.D. (Hallym University, Korea)
• Hye-Young Kim, Ph.D. (Yonsei University, Korea)
• Roderick H. Dashwood, Ph.D. (Institute of Biosciences and Technology, USA)
• Hye-Kyung Na, Ph.D. (Sungshin Women's University, Korea)
• S. Kanthimathi, Ph.D. (University of Malaya, Malaysia)

Dietary elements affect various human diseases such as obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer which are representative diseases related to our lifestyle. Inflammation has been closely associated with pathogenesis of aforementioned ailments. Many components of our diet have anti-inflammatory activities, and have preventive potential in the management of inflammation-associated diseases. In this session, we will deal with dietary modulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory intracellular signal transduction.

Organizer & Chair : Hye-Kyung Na, Ph.D. (Department of Food & Nutrition, Sungshin Women's University, Korea)

Sym. 15. Microfluidics: Enabling Convergence Technology

October 22 (Wed), 15:40-17:10, Rm. 105

• Olivier Pertz, Ph.D. (University of Basel, Switzerland)
• Sang-Hoon Lee, Ph.D. (Korea University, Korea)
• Sungsu Park, Ph.D. (Ewha Womans University, Korea)
• Seok Chung, Ph.D. (Korea University, Korea)
• Bong Geun Chung, Ph.D. (Sogang University, Korea)

This symposium will highlight new developments in microfluidics for biological research. Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary area of research with great potential for applications in biology. "Microfluidics: Enabling Convergence Technology" symposium aims to bring together top researchers in the field to spark scientific exchange across engineering and cell biology. We hope this will be a forum for biologists to get a glimpse of different possibilities enabled by microfluidics and learn about this exciting new technology. State of the art methods for manipulating cellular microenvironments for diverse applications such as stem cell migration and differentiation, neuroscience, and mechanobiology will be presented by the speakers.

Organizer & Chair : Noo Li Jeon, Ph.D. (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Korea)

Sym. 16. Wnt/Hippo Signaling and Diseases

October 23 (Thu), 09:30-11:00, Rm. 101

• * Sponsored by the Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control
• Kang-Yell Choi, Ph.D. (Yonsei University, Korea)
• Issei Komoro, M.D., Ph.D. (The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Japan)
• Dae-Sik Lim, Ph.D. (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Eekhoon Jho, Ph.D. (The University of Seoul, Korea)

Wnt signaling plays pivotal roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and fate decisions during embryonic development and tissue homoeostasis in adults. Because dysregulation of Wnt signaling is linked to a variety of human diseases including cancers, internationally competitive researches for the understanding of Wnt signal transduction mechanisms and its clinical application are in progress. Recent studies establish that Hippo signaling is a highly conserved mechanism for the regulation of cell contact inhibition and organ size control. Deregulation of Hippo signaling components also leads to cancer. Noble components involved in the regulation of Hippo signaling reveal that there are significant cross-talks between Wnt and Hippo signalings. In this session, the data for noble mechanistic study of Wnt/ Hippo signaling and their roles in human diseases will be presented.

Organizer & Chair : Eek-hoon Jho, Ph.D. (Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Korea)

Sym. 17. Cilia in Development and Disease

October 23 (Thu), 09:30-11:30, Rm. 102

• Joon Kim, Ph.D. (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea)
• Hyuk Wan Ko, Ph.D. (Dongguk University, Korea)
• Min-Seon Kim, M.D., Ph.D. (University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Korea)
• Peter K. Jackson, Ph.D. (Stanford University School of Medicine, USA)

Cilia are microtubule based cellular organelles that are present in almost every cells of the body. Recent findings in cellular signaling during mammalian development highlight the importance of primary cilia, which were once forgotten and considered to be vestigial structure for a past century. They play diverse roles for processing sensory stimuli and multiple cellular signaling during animal development and homeostasis. Disruption of ciliary structure or function causes multiple human disorders, ciliopathies, affecting multiple tissue homeostasis, for examples, kidney cyst, eye degeneration and obesity. Recent explosion of research on the cilia raises the scientific interest on how extensively the cilia are related to specific cell physiology and signaling pathway. This symposium is aiming to introduce this marvelous and tiny cellular structure and deepen our understanding of the normal function of cilia and the effects of defective cilial function.

Organizer & Chair : Hyuk Wan Ko, Ph.D. (College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Korea)

Sym. 18. RNA and Disease

October 23 (Thu), 09:30-11:30, Rm. 103

• * Sponsored by the Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science
• Sunjoo Jeong, Ph.D. (Dankook University, Korea)
• Thomas A. Cooper, M.D. (Baylor College of Medicine, USA)
• Reynaldo Garcia, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines)
• V. Narry Kim, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)

Normal cellular functions are regulated by protein-coding mRNA and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), along with the RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associated with them. Mutations that disrupt either type of RNAs as well as RBPs can be deleterious to cells, so to cause various diseases including cancers. Alternative splicing provides cells with an exquisite opportunity to fine-tune their genomic expression potential, and enormous capacity to produce diverse transcriptome and proteome in response to various cues. Other post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression also depends on numerous RBPs and their intricate interaction network with various RNAs, increasing the possibility for mis-regulation that cause disease. Recent discovery of disease-causing mutations in RNAs and RBPs is generating new therapeutic targets, and the growth of RNA biology and RNA chemistry is offering new RNA-based therapeutics. In this session, we will focus on this emerging field by introducing a pioneer in RNA and Disease, Dr. Thomas Cooper from Baylor College of Medicine.

Organizer & Chair : Sunjoo Jeong, Ph.D. (Department of Molecular Biology, College of Sciences, Dankook University, Korea)

Sym. 19. Stem Cells in Developmental Cues

October 23 (Thu), 09:30-11:30, Rm. 104

• *Sponsored by the Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University
• Youngsook Son, Ph.D. (Kyung Hee University, Korea)
• Freda Miller, Ph.D. (University of Toronto, Canada)
• Sang-Hun Lee, M.D., Ph.D. (Hanyang University, Korea)
• Ki-Sook Park, Ph.D. (Kyung Hee University, Korea)
• Jihwan Song, D.Phil. (CHA University, Korea)

This symposium titled "stem cells in developmental cues" will mainly focus on topics what would be cues to identify stem cells or stem cell niches during the embryonic development and how we could recapitulate those environments for stem cell research. It will be discussed how abstractive our in vitro study design is for stem cell study? and how we can apply developmental cues to current stem cell biology. New solutions or interpretation and more are expected.

Organizer & Chair : Youngsook Son, Ph.D. (College of Life Science & Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Korea)

Sym. 20. Introduction to the Research Results of Bio-Medical Technology Development Program Supported by MSIP

October 23 (Thu), 09:30-11:20, Rm. 105

• * Sponsored by the National Research Foundation of Korea
• Seong-Jin Kim, Ph.D. (CHA University, Korea)
• Ki Seok Park, Ph.D. (Genexine Inc., Korea)
• Seok-ki Kim, M.D., Ph.D. (National Cancer Center, Korea)
• Misun Won, Ph.D. (Korea Research Institute Bioscience and Biotechnology, Korea)
• TBA (National Research Foundation, Korea)

Organizer & Chair : In-Jin Jang, D.D., Ph.D. (Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital, Korea)

Sym. 21. Bioactive Signaling Lipids

October 23 (Thu), 14:50-16:50, Rm. 101

• Kentaro Hanada, Ph.D. (National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan)
• Yoshio Hirabayashi, Ph.D. (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Japan)
• Jae Ho Kim, Ph.D. (Pusan National University, Korea)
• Woo-Jae Park, M.D., Ph.D. (Gachon University, Korea)
• Yong-Moon Lee, Ph.D. (Chungbuk National University, Korea)

This session represents the cellular and molecular mechanism of signaling lipids. Major topics include the biologic, metabolic, and disease-related aspects of phospholipids and sphingolipids. Important areas of for this session include: sphingolipids in extracellular matrix formation, vesicle transport and role of sphingolipids, phospholipids and stem cell differentiation, and glycosylated lipids in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. These bioactive lipids are implicated in etiology of cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and skin disorders. Importantly, this session will cover the translational and therapeutic applications in various chronic diseases. In addition, the topics will include exciting new developments in the relationship between lipid metabolites and lipidomic analysis, lessons from model organisms and knockout models, as well as role of lipids in stem cell differentiation.

Organizer & Chair : Tae-Sik Park, Ph.D. (Department of Life Science, College of Bio-Nano, Gachon University, Korea)

Sym. 22. Mobile Genetic Elements as Drivers of Genome Evolution

October 23 (Thu), 14:50-16:40, Rm. 102

• Joo Mi Yi, Ph.D. (Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (DIRAMS), Korea)
• Mina Rho, Ph.D. (Hanyang University, Korea)
• Keun-Soo Kang, Ph.D. (Dankook University, Korea)
• Aki Koga, Ph.D. (Kyoto University, Japan)
• Nam-Soo Kim, Ph.D. (Kangwon National University, Korea)

Since the advent of next-generation sequencing (i.e., whole genome sequencing), mobile genetic elements have been noticed because of their tremendous copies in various eukaryotic genomes. Mobile genetic elements have shown a variety of impacts on their host genomes. Recently, many molecular biologists are interested in mobile genetic element's field. Recent research of mobile genetic elements in the eukaryotic genomes provides a glimpse into their diversity and strong influence on the overall differences in genomic architecture between different lineages. Mobile genetic elements represent a potent evolutionary force associated with genomic variations into their host genomes.

Organizer & Chair : Kyudong Han, Ph.D. (Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Korea)

Sym. 23. Personalized Medicine in New Genomics Era

October 23 (Thu), 14:50-16:50, Rm. 103

• * Sponsored by the Research Center for Human Natural Defense System
• Sanghyuk Lee, Ph.D. (Ewha Womans University, Korea)
• Sangwoo Kim, Ph.D. (Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Woong-Yang Park, M.D., Ph.D. (Samsung Medical Center, Korea)
• Murim Choi, Ph.D. (Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Ma. Luisa Enriquez, Ph.D. (De la Salle University, Philippines)

This session introduces recent advances in application of genomic methods toward personalized treatment of diseases. Special focus will be on cancer genomics based on deep sequencing technologies. Five renowned speakers will present the state-of-the-art research on various topics related to personalized medicine, encompassing advances in genomic technologies, bioinformatics methods for advanced data processing, integrative analysis of multi-dimensional data, and clinical applications towards personalized treatment. This symposium is the joint session between the Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (KSBMB) and the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology (KSMCB).

Organizer & Chair : Sanghyuk Lee, Ph.D. (Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Korea)

Sym. 24. Neurobiology of Aging

October 23 (Thu), 14:50-16:40, Rm. 104

• * Sponsored by the National Honor Scientist Program for Learning & Memory
• National Research Center for Dementia
• Min Jae Lee, Ph.D. (Kyung Hee University, Korea)
• Seung-Jae Lee, Ph.D. (Konkuk University, Korea)
• Jungsu Kim, Ph.D. (Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, USA)
• Inhee Mook-Jung, Ph.D. (Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Sukwoo Choi, Ph.D. (Seoul National University, Korea)

Neurobiology of Aging symposium consists of 5 speakers who are leading scientists in this research field. Since Aging is the most important risk factor for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and age-associated depression, molecular, cellular and physiological approaches to understanding these diseases will be introduced in this symposium.

Organizer & Chair : Inhee Mook-Jung, Ph.D. (Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea)

Sym. 25. Metagenomic Insights into Human Gut Microbiome

October 23 (Thu), 14:50-17:15, Rm. 105

• * Sponsored by the National Creative Research Initiative Center for Symbiosystem
• Sang Sun Yoon, Ph.D. (Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea)
• Koji Hase, Ph.D. (The University of Tokyo, Japan)
• Myung-Shik Lee, M.D., Ph.D. (Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Korea)
• Jihyun F. Kim, Ph.D. (Yonsei University, Korea)
• Charles Surh, Ph.D. (Pohang Univerisity of Science and Technology, Korea)
• S. Mahadevan, Ph.D. (Indian Institute of Science, India)

Culture-independent microbial community analysis, named as metagenomics, which analyze the DNA extracted directly from a sample rather than from individually cultured microbes, assisted with the next generation sequencing technologies, allow us to comprehensively investigate human gut bacterial diversity. Recent evidences indicate that the composition of the gut microbiota contributes to the development of metabolic disorders by affecting the physiology and metabolism of the host. In this session, speakers will deliver recent new metagenomic findings on the relationship between gut bacterial community and host's diverse physiologies.

Organizer & Chair : Jin-Woo Bae, Ph.D. (Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Korea)