This session is part of the Young Scientist Symposium, providing a platform for emerging researchers to engage with the latest trends and technologies in liver metabolism and disease. As the field rapidly evolves, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research and innovative approaches shaping our understanding of liver function in health and disease. Through in-depth yet open discussions, we aim to bridge scientific advancements with future directions in the field. This session will not only showcase the work of young scientists presenting on the podium but also foster active engagement from the audience, making it a valuable experience for all participants in advancing their research perspectives.

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation, detoxification, and immune modulation, undergoing dynamic changes in both health and disease. This session explores the impact of amino acid metabolism on liver homeostasis and cancer progression, as well as the role of intercellular crosstalk in liver fibrosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) pathogenesis. Additionally, it examines the immune regulatory mechanisms of the gut-liver axis and their influence on liver health, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies. Through this session, we aim to deepen our understanding of liver disease pathophysiology and explore innovative therapeutic approaches for improving liver health.

Energy metabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining health and driving disease progression, and advanced research tools continue to refine our understanding of its regulation. This session explores how inulin-adapted gut microbiome clears dietary fructose and reverses hepatic steatosis, as well as the biochemical mechanisms underlying nutrient utilization using metabolic flux analysis. Additionally, the metabolic versatility of brown fat and its impact on adipose tissue plasticity will be examined, offering new perspectives on metabolic health. By sharing the latest developments in energy metabolism research, this session aims to foster discussions on innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment.

The rapid advancement of single-cell omics technologies is transforming our ability to decipher biological complexity, offering unprecedented resolution to understand the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the endocrine system. This session will explore the application of multimodal chromatin profiling to identify novel drivers of diabetic kidney disease, along with insights from single-cell transcriptomics to characterize cellular heterogeneity and functional diversity in metabolic disorders. Additionally, we will examine the heterogeneity of human pancreatic islets, providing deeper insights into diabetes pathogenesis. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, this session aims to highlight the paradigm shift in metabolic disease research and discuss the potential for precision medicine-driven therapeutic strategies.

Recent advancements in skeletal muscle research have expanded our understanding of muscle regeneration and aging, driving innovative therapeutic strategies. This session explores how intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate skeletal muscle stem cell activity in regeneration and aging, while also highlighting translational research aimed at developing blood-based biomarkers for sarcopenia diagnosis. Additionally, strategies for rejuvenating muscle stem cells to counteract muscle aging will be discussed, providing insights into maintaining muscle health and potential therapeutic interventions. By sharing the latest developments in muscle regeneration and sarcopenia research, this session aims to foster discussions on innovative treatment strategies for overcoming skeletal muscle disorders.