Purpose
Frontiers of Physical and Mechanical Biology
Yasuo Mori
Professor
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
Professor
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
Biology today enjoys remarkable advances in technology, and along with tools to study single-cell gene expression and elucidate the 3D　structure/localization of biomolecules, we also have the means to manipulate living organisms through genome modifications and stem cell methodologies. Large-scale studies using these up-to-date technologies have particularly expanded our knowledge concerning the diversity and plasticity of life. On the other hand, biology may be missing that familiar path to reach new concepts on the basis of biologists' profound insights into the data obtained through meticulous observation of phenomena. It even appears as if the avalanche of information provided by these emerging technologies is overwhelming our efforts to draw principles. From the beginning, modern biology was and still is under the strong influence of the methodologies established in physics and chemistry. With regard to chemical substances such as drugs and poisons, their biological significance has been long recognized, leading to the elucidation of receptor-mediated signal transduction mechanisms in a variety of tissues, and in particular in the nervous system. In contrast to proteins and organic molecules that selectively target their specific receptor cells and proteins, changes in physical parameters promiscuously impact molecules, cells, whole bodies of all kinds without exception, and as well their surrounding environment, meaning that physical changes cannot readily fit within the reductionistic view that ascribes a biological phenomenon to one specific molecular entity.
Finally, however, a new realm is becoming established that elucidates how temperature, osmolarity, redox potential, and phase separation and mechanical stimulation are sensed by living organisms to adapt themselves to changes of these physical parameters for maintaining homeostasis. This symposium precisely focuses on physical and physical-chemical perspectives of life. The symposium will provide physical and mechanical insights into biological phenomena elicited at different hierarchal levels ranging from individual cells to the whole body, and will discuss about new concepts. As topics of the symposium, we welcome not only physiological responses but also differentiation, development, growth and disorders/diseases. We hope to bring scientists to the symposium from different fields including basic biology, clinical medicine, and bio-medical engineering to foster crossover of their ideas and establish new foundations for future research.