16th International Congress of Protistology 2025, Joint meeting of ICOP/ISOP 2025 June 22 (Sunday), - June 27 (Friday), 2025. Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (TBC)

Special Symposia Program

Lilach Sheiner
ISOP-funded Session
Organizer
Lilach Sheiner

University of Glasgow, UK

ISOP SS 1 Survival is complex! Traits of bioenergetic enzyme complexes in protists from diverse niches
Bioenergetic processes, such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis, are essential to cellular metabolism and therefore, to life itself. Yet, for many decades the understanding of how organisms use electron transport enzyme complexes to harvest energy from metabolites has largely been based on studies in opisthokonta (primarily yeast and mammals) and embryophyta.
Technological progress such as cryoEM and CryoET structural biology and high sensitivity proteomics methods, allowed the field of bioenergetics to start addressing the principles and mechanisms of respiration, ATP synthesis and photosynthesis in a broad range of microbial eukaryotes from varying environments and growth conditions. We will present structural studies and complexome analyses that revealed species- or clade-specific components and traits, and discuss how they contribute to understanding their function.
  • Date
    June 25 (Wed)
  • Speakers

    Perkinsus marinus respiratory complexes and supercomplexes composition, structure and function.

    Lilach Sheiner, University of Glasgow, UK

    Structural insights into the evolution of mitochondrial Complex I across Eukaryotes.

    James Letts, University of California, Davis, USA

    ATP Synthase Dimers: Better Together.

    Alena Zíková, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic

    Structural-functional studies of the Toxoplasma complexes III and IV.

    Andrew Maclean, University of Glasgow, UK

    Towards the functional and structural characterization of brown algae bioenergetics.

    María Maldonado, University of California, Davis, USA

    Diversity in aerobic respiration across the evolutionary tree of protists: a structural perspective.

    Long Zhou, Zhejiang University, China

Núria Ros i Rocher Núria Ros i Rocher
ISOP-funded Session
Organizer
Núria Ros i Rocher

MSCA postdoctoral fellow, Institut Pasteur, France

Michelle M. Leger

Staff Scientist, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan

ISOP SS 2 Environmental sensing, responses and differentiation in protists
Protists exhibit extraordinary plasticity in sensing and responding to environmental cues, allowing them to thrive across diverse ecological niches. Through sophisticated sensory receptors and signalling pathways, protists detect changes in physical conditions (e.g. viscosity, light, or spatial cues), chemical factors (e.g. nutrient availability, toxins or salinity), interactions with other organisms, and changes in their internal environment. These sensory cues can trigger rapid behavioural and/or morphological transitions that lend themselves to biophysical studies. Beyond their immediate adaptive responses, the coupling of sensory pathways, biophysics and behaviour underpins major ecological and evolutionary processes, including predation, symbiosis, motion, complex life cycles, and multicellularity. This symposium unites experts from diverse fields to delve into the remarkable and varied behavioural and cellular changes that protists undergo as they interact with their environments. We have sought to choose speakers who research different types of stimuli - including light, gravitational, and mechanical signals - as well as diverse types of behavioural responses. Collectively, they study a broad cross-section of protistan diversity, including green algae, dinoflagellates, myxomycetes, ciliates, and apusomonads. 
  • Date
    June 26 (Thur)
  • Speakers

    ApuRs, a new family of ultraviolet to blue light absorbing rhodopsin channels from apusomonads.

    Luis Javier Galindo González, University of Granada, Spain

    Phototaxis and gravitaxis tune the emergence of new collective patterns

    Hélène de Maleprade, Sorbonne Université, France

    Differentiation of behavioral responses to complex environmental conditions in ciliary swimming and amoeboid locomotion.

    Toshiyuki Nakagaki , Hokkaido University, Japan

    Biophysics of mechanosensation in protists.

    Kirsty Wan, University of Exeter, UK

Julia Packer
Organizer
Julia Packer

Dalhousie University, Canada

SS 1 Predatory Protists
Never before has protist sequencing data been easier to acquire, nor has taxon sampling and cultivation been so widespread. With this, new deep-branching protist lineages have been added to the eukaryotic tree of life at an unprecedented pace, the most intriguing of these might be predatory protists. Predatory protists that specialize in eating other eukaryotic cells have reshaped our understanding of protists role in ecological food webs and the environment. Unexpectedly, novel predatory lineages have caused a significant restructuring of the eukaryotic tree of life, yet little is known about their prevalence, lifestyle, or evolutionary history. Here, we will discuss recent findings on novel predatory protists, their diversity, cultivation and feeding mechanisms, and their impacts on eukaryotic phylogeny.
  • Date
    June 23 (Mon)
  • Speakers

    New predatory representatives of the poorly studied stramenopile group Bigyromonada elucidate the origin of parasitism in Oomycetes and Pirsoniales

    Kristina Prokina, Université Paris-Saclay, France

    Watching tiny predators: cell biology and eukaryotrophic behaviours in phylogenetically distinct flagellates

    Yana Eglit, University of Victoria, Canada

    The Evolutionary Significance of Eukaryotrophic Free-living Flagellates Within Sar

    Elizabeth Weston, Dalhousie University, Canada

    Predatory flagellates as important branches of the eukaryotic tree of life and key members of microbial communities

    Denis Tikhonenkov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation

Raphael Morard
Organizer
Raphael Morard

University of Bremen, Germany

SS 2 The life of Retaria and other large protists
Retaria, composed of the sister taxa Radiolaria and Foraminifera, are large protists that evolved since the Precambrian and are renowned for their extensive fossil record. While historically studied by paleontologists, Retaria have gained the attention of biologists in the last decade, revealing critical roles in biogeochemical cycles, their potential as models to study symbiosis, and their utility as sentinels of ongoing environmental change. Despite being relatively easy to observe and capture, Retaria are challenging to culture and maintain under controlled conditions due to their free-living and predatory nature. Additionally, their diverse communities of symbionts complicate single-cell genomic approaches, preventing a deeper understanding of basic aspects of their biology such as their life cycle. To better understand their role in the trophic network, their evolution, and to stimulate research on these fascinating organisms, we propose a symposium to showcase current research on living Retaria and other large protists, promoting collaboration and identifying novel research approaches. This event will also provide an opportunity to synthesize existing knowledge and outline future research directions to enhance our understanding of these enigmatic and ecologically significant organisms.
  • Date
    June 23 (Mon)
  • Speakers

    The multiple reproductive pathways of planktonic foraminifera

    Julie Meilland, CEREGE, France

    Polycystine radiolarians associate with diverse phytoplankton

    Nicole Coots, British Columbia University, Canada

    Phosphate storage in foraminifera - An adaptation to O2 depletion that could counteract anthropogenic coastal eutrophication

    Nicolaas Glock, Hamburg University, Germany

    Revealing The Diversity And Evolution Of Radiolaria Beyond The Stars Of The Ocean

    Miguel Sandin, Biological Station of Roscoff, France

Shin-Ya Miyagishima
Organizer
Shin-Ya Miyagishima

National Institute of Genetics, Japan

SS 3 Decoding Life Mechanisms and Evolution through Genetic Manipulation in Algae
In recent years, genomic information has been elucidated for various unicellular and multicellular algal lineages, and genetic modification techniques have begun to be developed. These advancements have made it possible to unravel phenomena that are crucial for understanding the evolution of life but were previously difficult to analyze. This symposium will introduce genetic modification techniques and research applications in unicellular red algae, chlorarachniophytes, brown algae, and kleptoplastic euglenid.
  • Date
    June 23 (Mon)
  • Speakers

    Life Cycle, And Genetic Modification Techniques In The Unicellular Polyextremophilic Red Algae Cyanidiophyceae

    Shin-Ya Miyagishima, National Inst. of Genetics, Japan

    Genome Sequencing And Genetic Transformation Of Chlorarachniophyte Algae

    Yoshihisa Hirakwa, Univ. of Tsukuba, Japan

    Functional analysis on heterogeneous flagella of the brown algal swarmers

    Minori Harada, Hokkaido Univ., Japan

    Establishing Genome Editing in Rapaza viridis for Functional Analysis of Kleptoplasty-related Genes

    Yuichiro Kashiyama, Fukui Univ. of Tech., Japan

Kwang-Sik Choi
Organizer
Kwang-Sik Choi

Jeju National University, Korea

SS 4 Emerging Challenges in Protistan Pathogen Research
This symposium will explore the latest research and developments in protozoan pathogen biology and control. Key topics include the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, shedding light on how protozoan pathogens invade and damage host organisms. We will delve into host-pathogen interactions, emphasizing the complex biological dialogues that dictate disease outcomes. The session will also address environmental drivers of protozoan pathogen outbreaks, analyzing how climate change, human activity, and ecological shifts contribute to the emergence and spread of these pathogens. In addition, we will highlight recent advances in detection and diagnostics, showcasing innovative tools and techniques that enhance early identification and monitoring of protozoan infections. Finally, the symposium will present strategies for mitigation and control, focusing on integrated approaches to reduce disease burden and prevent future outbreaks. This event aims to foster interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals.
  • Date
    June 23 (Mon)
  • Speakers

    Protozoan diseases in marine mollusks

    Kwang-Sik Choi, Jeju National University, Korea, Republic of

    TBD

    Kyung-Il Park, Kunsan National University, Korea, Republic of

    TBD

    Hyun-Jung Kim, Kunsan National University, Korea, Republic of

    TBD

    Hyun-Sung Yang, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea, Republic of

Cheong Xin Chan
Organizer
Cheong Xin Chan

The University of Queensland, Australia

SS 5 Omics-Powered Discoveries in Dinoflagellate Ecology and Evolution
Dinoflagellates are a specialised, diverse group of protists that are found ubiquitously in the environment. They range from coral reef symbionts, bloom-forming algae, to parasites, encompassing a broad spectrum of trophism and habitat range. Despite their notoriously complex genomes atypical of eukaryotes, the past decade has seen a significant increase in the use of omics approaches to study dinoflagellates, and more genome and genome-scale data are becoming available. These approaches are revolutionising our understanding of the diversification, adaptation and ecological roles of dinoflagellates. This symposium will showcase the latest breakthroughs from omics research to understand the biology, ecology, and evolution of dinoflagellates, including their interacting partners in a tightly linked symbiosis or a functional ecological unit (i.e., holobiont). Topics covered will include biological and evolutionary processes that underpin stress responses, symbiotic/parasitic interactions, toxin production, and bloom dynamics, especially in the context of climate change and warming oceans. Innovative techniques, including single-cell and multi-omics strategies, will also be highlighted. Through interdisciplinary discussions, this symposium will foster collaboration and spark new research directions to deepen our understanding how dinoflagellates shape—and are shaped by—their environments.
  • Date
    June 24 (Tue)
  • Speakers

    Functional genomics of dinoflagellates

    Joseph Tin Yum Wong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

    Finding needle in the haystack - omics toolbox for exploration of stress tolerance markers in Symbiodiniaceae

    Pranali Deore, The University of Melbourne, Australia

    A subcellular proteomic map of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum

    Dayana Salas-Leiva, University Of Cambridge, UK

    Genome evolution of dinoflagellates and how we can access genome data from "unculturable" taxa

    Cheong Xin Chan, The University of Queensland, Australia

Yukinori Nishigami
Organizer
Yukinori Nishigami

Hokkaido University, Japan

SS 6 Diverse Behavioral Strategies Exhibited by Protists
Protists have flourished in various environments by adapting their behavior to meet different situations.
For instance, these organisms can strategically position themselves in areas conducive to survival, possess photosynthetic organisms inside their cells, construct extracellular structures for defense against predators, and withstand external flows. This symposium is dedicated to exploring research on the adaptive capabilities of these intriguing organisms.
Presentations will cover various aspects of protists and employ methodologies such as cell biology, imaging, behavior quantification, and hydrodynamics.
This symposium aims to inspire participants to investigate the locomotion and behavior of the protists they have studied.
  • Date
    June 24 (Tue)
  • Speakers

    Ciliary Fluid Dynamics Of Swimming, Feeding, Pumping, And Sensing

    Takuji Ishikawa, Tohoku University, Japan

    Elucidating the conditions for floating of planktonic foraminifera: Sinking experiment revisited

    Haruka Takagi, University of Tokyo, Japan

    Skillful cell behavior in the construction of testate amoebae shells

    Mami Nomura, Yamagata University, Japan

    Anchoring behaviour in Stentor influenced by geometrical cues and behavioural process

    Syun Echigoya, Hokkaido University, Japan

Guifré Torruella Rubén González Minguéns
Organizer
Guifré Torruella

IRB Barcelona, Spain

Rubén González Minguéns

The Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Spain

SS 7 Exploring the Evolutionary Origins of Multicellularity in Amorphea
The transitions from unicellular to multicellular life are one of the most significant evolutionary milestones in eukaryotic history. This symposium explores the diverse mechanisms driving the emergence of multicellularity, with a particular focus on Amoebozoa and Opisthokonta. By integrating perspectives from cell biology, experimental evolution, and comparative genomics, the discussion highlights the selective pressures, genetic innovations, and environmental factors that shaped this evolutionary transition.
- This special symposium features investigations into:
- The clonal-aggregative development of the choanoflagellate Choanoeca flexa in response to environmental conditions.
- The presence of regulated cell death pathways in unicellular ancestors and their functional co-option during the evolution of animal multicellularity.
- The regulation of aggregate size under different oxygen conditions in the filasterean Capsaspora owczarzaki.
- The collective behavior of the aggregative amoebozoan Thecamoeba homeri, which involves resource sequestration and potential bacterial farming.
  • Date
    June 24 (Tue)
  • Speakers

    Clonal-aggregative multicellularity in a close relative of animals

    Núria Ros-Rocher, Institute Pasteur, France

    The changing tree of Holozoa in light of metagenomics

    Michelle Leger, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan

    Simulating the Origins of Multicellularity By Artificial Selection on the Filasterean Capsaspora Owczarzaki.

    Gonzalo Bercedo-Saborid, Biologia Evolutiva, Spain

    Social Predators: An amoeba that collectively herds prey and sequesters resources

    Tristan Henderson, Mississippi State University, United States

Timothy Stephens
Organizer
Timothy Stephens

Rutgers University, United States

SS 8 Life in volcanic hot springs
Volcanic hot springs are some of the most inhospitable locations for life on our planet, with organisms at these sites exposed to extremes of high temperature and salt concentrations, low pH, and toxic levels of heavy metals. Despite these harsh conditions, volcanic hot springs are considered “cradles of microbial life” on the early Earth and therefore provide models for understanding how life may have evolved on exoplanets. With Bacteria and Archaea often considered the sole inhabitants of these habitats, the role of eukaryotes and viruses has been largely overlooked. This symposium will showcase the latest research on the microbial communities which inhabit these extreme volcanic hot springs, with a focus on eukaryote dominated systems and the integration of different experimental approaches to generate a comprehensive picture of the robust microbial communities which inhabit these sites. Topics covered will include the structure, composition, function, and physiology of resident extremophilic microbes. Community wide detoxification, cell cycle-environment interactions, and advanced imaging will also be highlighted. This symposium will foster collaboration and spark new research directions to deepen our understanding of how life evolved to thrive in volcanic hot springs.
  • Date
    June 25 (Wed)
  • Speakers

    Multi-omic analysis of community-wide interactions in red algae-dominated geothermal spring habitats

    Timothy Stephens, Rutgers University, United States

    Toward Molecular Genetic Studies on Acidothermophilic Red Algae in Their Natural Habitats

    Takayuki Fujiwara, National Institute of Genetics, Japan

    Chromatin Features and Genomic Adaptations of Extremophilic Red Algae

    Chung Hyun Cho, Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology GmbH, Austria

    Taxonomic re-evaluation of an extremophilic red alga from Yangmingshan, Taiwan

    Han-Yi Fu, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan

Jang Kyun Kim
Organizer
Jang Kyun Kim

Incheon National University, Korea

SS 9 Seaweed Aquaculture: From Seed to Sustainable Cultivation across Land-Based, Open Water, and Offshore Systems
This session explores the entire lifecycle of seaweed aquaculture, spanning from seed production and nursery management to diverse cultivation methods, including land-based, nearshore, and offshore systems. As seaweed farming gains global attention for its potential to mitigate climate change, enhance food security, and support blue economy initiatives, it is critical to examine best practices, technological innovations, and environmental impacts at each stage. Experts will share insights on overcoming challenges related to scalability, sustainability, and resource optimization, fostering an integrated approach to seaweed aquaculture development.
  • Date
    June 25 (Wed)
  • Speakers

    Global Perspectives on Seaweed Aquaculture: Key Trends, Innovations, and Pathways Forward

    Jang Kyun Kim, Incheon National University, Korea, Republic of

    Comparative Insights on Land-Based and Open Water Cultivation Systems in Korea

    Han-Gil Choi, Wonkwang University, Korea, Republic of

    Green Tide on the Southern Coasts of Korea: Major Green Tide Causing Ulva Species, Their Biomass, And Ecological Impacts on Ecosystems

    Hyck Je Lee, Sangji University, Korea, Republic of

    Offshore Seaweed Farming: Challenges and Opportunities

    Sang-Yul Park, Jeju National University, Korea, Republic of

    Structure and Outlook of the Korean Pyropia industry

    Jin Suk Heo, Seaweed Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Korea, Republic of

Jing Yuan
Organizer
Jing Yuan

Xiamen University, China

SS 10 Special ecological and biological Characteristics of Protozoan
This symposim will present the recent research work in the protistology, including the free living protozoa and parasitic protozoa, by the Chinese scientists.
  • Date
    June 25 (Wed)
  • Speakers

    Peritrichs found in Lake Weishan, a wetland in China

    Weibo Song, Ocean University of China, China

    Mammalian trypanosomes and their risks for human infection in China

    Zhao-Rong Lun, Su Yat-Sen University, China

    Mechanisms of rumen ciliates in controlling methane emissions

    Jie Xiong, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

    Subpellicular microtubule and dynein transport in morphogenesis of Plasmodium

    Jing Yuan, Xiamen University, China

Toshinobu Suzaki
Organizer
Toshinobu Suzaki

Kobe University, Japan

SS 11 State-of-the-art microscopy techniques in protistology
Microscopy is one of the most important research methods in protistology for the collection and analysis of scientific data. At the same time, the cellular structure of protists and their diversity is remarkable as the beauty of nature's creation. In other words, in many ways, microscopic science in protistology is an exploration of this beauty and the mechanisms that created it. One of the most notable recent advances in microscopy technology is cryo-electron microscopy. In the field of TEM, it is now possible to observe the intact shape of biological specimens by directly observing frozen specimens at low temperatures after quick freezing. Techniques to study the three-dimensional structure of cells and cellular structures using electron tomography and volume microscopy in combination with FIB-SEM and SBF-SEM have also become common. In the field of SEM, a water freeze-drying method was developed that allows observation of unfixed cells with very few artifacts. In addition, micro-CT has been used for 3D structural analysis of some protists. The purpose of this symposium is to share with participants the details of these state-of-the-art microscopy techniques and to appreciate the unique beauty of the protist cells and cellular structures exhibited by these techniques.
  • Date
    June 26 (Thur)
  • Speakers

    Structural study of icosahedral viruses using Cryo-EM

    Chihong Song, Pusan National University, Korea, Republic of

    Cryo-EM structures of human neuronal gap junction channel

    Seu-Na Lee, Institute for Basic Science, Korea, Republic of

    Effect of Fixation Methods on Protist Ultrastructure: Freeze-Substitute vs. Conventional Chemical Fixation

    Yasuhiro Fukuda , Tohoku University, Japan

    Re-evaluation of Water Freeze-drying for Scanning Electron

    Toshinobu Suzaki, Kobe University, Japan

    Clarification of the morphology of Radiolaria, Phaeodaria and Ciliophora using the micro X-ray computed tomography

    Momoka Kato, Shimane University, Japan

Pierre Ramond
Organizer
Pierre Ramond

Sorbonne University-CNRS, France

SS 13 Trait annotation to study the functional diversity of protists across Earth Biomes
Protists harbor a tremendous diversity of morphology, physiology, behaviors, and life strategies. For many of the existing and described protistan species this diversity can be compiled in the form of traits and modalities. These traits relate to the functional diversity of protists, allowing to predict their performance and role in ecosystems. The main aim of this session is to present past, ongoing, and future works involved in the development or the use of trait approaches in the field of protistan ecology, from the population to the cross-community-levels. Building a census of all described protistan species and their traits based on a shared ontology is an achievable goal and a great perspective to gain and share knowledge on protists biology, ecology and evolution at large.
  • Date
    June 27 (Fri)
  • Speakers

    Insights from the Working Group on Trait Annotation of Protists and results for the global ocean

    Pierre Ramond, Sorbonne University CNRS Benthic Ecogeochemistry Laboratory UMR 8222, France

    Trophic strategies in marine protists: annotation and global distributions

    Luciana Santoferrara, Hofstra University, United States

    Comparative Trait Databases of Cercozoa and Amoebozoa: Functional Insights from Terrestrial Ecosystems

    Kenneth Dumack, University Of Cologne, Germany

    Refocusing the protistan rare biosphere concept through a functional lens

    Elena Litchman, Michigan State University, United States

Pavel Skaloud
Organizer
Pavel Skaloud

Charles Univerity, Czech Republic

SS 14 Biogeography and Population Structure of Freshwater Microalgae
This symposium will explore the intricate biogeography and population dynamics of freshwater microalgae, focusing on the genetic, ecological, and environmental factors that influence their distribution and community structure. Presentations will highlight the latest research and encourage discussions on the implications for ecosystem management and conservation, as well as the tools used to study these phenomena. Topics may include the role of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity, the environmental drivers shaping community patterns, and global and regional biogeographical trends, offering insights into the distribution and diversification of microalgae in various freshwater ecosystems.
  • Date
    June 27 (Fri)
  • Speakers

    The role of the environment in the distribution of scaled chrysophytes: Biogeographic patterns or not?

    Peter A. Siver, Connecticut College, USA

    Speciation dynamics in Synura (Chrysophyceae): A tale of three species

    Pavel Skaloud, Charles University, Czech Republic

    Stable dynamics of protists in European lakes: spatio-temporal patterns and ecological significance

    Christina Bock, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

    Single-cell genomics of a bloom-forming phytoplankton species reveals population genetic structure across continents

    Raphael Gollnisch, (1)University of Oxford Lund University, (2)UK Sweden

Seung Ho Baek
Organizer
Seung Ho Baek

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea

SS 15 Enhancing Insights into Harmful Algal Blooms: Microbial Interactions, Genetic Diversity, and Ecophysiological Impacts
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have significant impacts on aquaculture, marine ecosystems, and public health, making them a critical focus in marine science. This symposium aims to showcase cutting-edge research on the complex interactions among microbial communities associated with HABs, the genetic diversity and ecophysiological characteristics of harmful algae, and their effects on various aquatic environments．
  • Date
    June 27 (Fri)
  • Speakers

    Phytoplankton recruit specific microbial assemblages and exhibitphylosymbiotic patterns

    Joo-Hwan Kim, Ministry of Environment, Korea, Republic of

    The presence of highly toxic Dinophysis fortii populations in Japan

    Satoshi Nagai, Fisheries Technology InstituteJapan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Japan

    Toxin production in bloom-forming, harmful alga Alexandrium pacificum (Group IV) is regulated by cyst formation-promoting bacteria Jannaschia cystaugens NBRC 100362T

    Jiang Yue, Third Institute of Oceanography, China

    Genetic diversity and ecophysiological impacts of the toxic benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis in Korean coastal waters

    Bora Lee, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea, Republic of

Shan Gao
Organizer
Shan Gao

Ocean University of China, China

SS 16 Ciliates as model organisms
One of the most intriguing characteristics of ciliate protozoa is their dual nuclear system and distinctive sexual reproduction through conjugation. During this process, the micronucleus, which functions as the germline genome, undergoes extensive genome-wide DNA elimination as it differentiates into the somatic macronucleus. The precise regulatory mechanisms governing DNA elimination, as well as the variations in this process across different ciliate species, represent compelling areas of research in genome dynamics and epigenetic regulation. This session will bring together four researchers who utilize different ciliate models to investigate the molecular mechanisms of DNA elimination from diverse perspectives, including chromatin dynamics, histone methylation, cryptic transcription, and small RNA pathways. Their findings provide significant insights into the molecular basis of nuclear dimorphism and functional differentiation in ciliates.
  • Date
    June 27 (Fri)
  • Speakers

    Chromatin dynamics regulating DNA elimination in Tetrahymena

    Kensuke Kataoka, National Institute for Basic Biology, Japan

    The role of histone methylations on DNA elimination in the ciliate Paramecium

    Therese Solberg, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan

    Cryptic transcription ensures faithful DNA elimination in Tetrahymena

    Miao Tian, Ocean University of China, China

    Soma-derived 30 nt small RNAs precisely protect non-transposon DNA during genome rearrangement in Euplotes vannus

    Feng Gao, Ocean University of China, China