Preface to the 5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Molecular Sciences (ISFMS 2025) ^†

1. Introduction

The 5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Molecular Sciences (ISFMS 2025) was held in Kyoto, Japan, from 26 to 29 August 2025.

The symposium presented outstanding research results that elucidate the molecular mechanisms of biological function and regulation, and it also facilitated drug design based on molecular biology, biophysical characterization, in vivo environmental homeostasis, organ interactions based on sensory systems, physiome, and AI-assisted analysis of protein structures and functions.

The symposium included six sessions:

S1. Protein Structure and Molecular Dynamics.

S2. Enzymes.

S3. Membrane Proteins.

S4. Cancer Target Proteins.

S5. Drug Design and Solution to Drug Resistance Problem.

S6. Physiological Functions of Proteins and Organ Interactions.

2. Event Awards

2.1. Best Oral Presentation Awards

Giarita Ferraro—Metallodrugs Encapsulation Within Ferritin Nanocages.

Anastasia A. Pometun—Structure-functional main features of the enzymes, expressed by lactobacilli in response to Klebsiella.

Xiakun Chu—Transcription factor clustering shapes chromatin dynamics to regulate enhancer-promoter interactions.

Motoki Watanabe—Identification of ANT2 as a Druggable Target for Endocrine-Resistant ERα-Positive Breast Cancer.

Daniil R. Bazanov—Targeting p53-MDM2/MDMX Interaction: Advances in Nutlin Development and Therapeutic Applications.

Ryusuke Yoshida—The roles of chemical synapses in mouse taste bud cells.

2.2. Best Poster Awards

Wanda Destiarani—Computational Insights into the pH-Dependent Behavior of Ipilimumab-CTLA-4: A Switchable Antibody.

Luciranon Sribrahma—Engineered-Enzyme Biomass Fuel Cells: Enhancing Bio-electrochemical Efficiency for Sustainable Energy.

Shani Stern—Dysregulation of Multiple Solute Carrier genes and Metabolic Deficits in SLC1A4-Mutant Human iPSC-Derived Hippocampal Neurons.

Pipin Agnesia—EPA and DHA from Decapterus macarellus Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via TP53 and NF-κB Pathway Modulation.

Hung Huey-Shan—Characterization and Therapeutic Potential of Au-Col-Allicin Nanocomposite in DBTRG Glioblastoma Cells.

Yu-Chun Wang—Illuminating Vitamin D’s Regulatory Influence on Chloride Ion Dynamics in Zebrafish.

2.3. Organizer’s Choice Awards

Rosanna Lucignano—New nanomaterials based on bioactive peptides: structural studies and molecular dynamics.

Harshika Mahaveerchand—Structure-Guided Analysis and Functional Characterization of a Plant-Derived Coagulant Protein for Synthetic Dye Bioremediation.

Yuji Kanazawa—Effect of Skeletal Muscle Stretching on Factors Affecting Collagen Cross-linking.

Maggie Ming-Ki LEUNG—Targeting TRPM7 with Carvacrol to Alleviate Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Insights.

Deisy Yurley Rodriguez-Sarmiento—Exploring the Signaling Mechanisms of Kisspeptin Receptor: A Structure-Activity Approach for Designing Safer Therapeutics.

Hwa-Yeong Kim—Deubiquitinating enzymes associated with paclitaxel response in lung cancer cells.

YUN-RU WU—Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Attenuates PM2.5-induced Respiratory Inflammation and Modulates Cytokine Responses.