The Fifth Chinese Congress on Autophagy was held in Enshi, Hubei province, from Nov 5 to 7. The prestigious event was hosted by the Membrane Biophysics Academic Subgroup of the Biophysical Society of China (BSC) and co-organized by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Central China Normal University, Hubei University of Technology, Hubei Minzu University and the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). 

The conference brought together leading researchers and emerging scholars from China and abroad to engage in in-depth discussions on a variety of topics, including the molecular mechanisms of autophagy, its relationship with diseases, the role of autophagy in model organisms and selective autophagy. 

Zhang Hong, a CAS academician who chairs the congress, delivers a speech. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC] 

Zhang Hong, a CAS academician who chaired the congress, delivered a speech on systematic regulation of autophagy in multicellular organisms. He outlined the essential links between fundamental autophagy mechanisms and their clinical applications, drawing from years of experience. 

Prominent international experts give presentations during the congress. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC] 

The conference also featured presentations by three prominent international experts. Hitoshi Nakatogawa from Tokyo Institute of Technology presented on the dynamic assembly mechanisms of ATG proteins during autophagosome formation, providing new theoretical support for understanding critical steps in the autophagy process. Masaaki Komatsu from Juntendo University, one of the first researchers to explore autophagy gene functions in mice, discussed the importance of autophagy in neuronal homeostasis and liver functions. His speech also uncovered the mechanisms behind liver injury mediated by the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway and the correlation between p62 phosphorylation and liver cancer. Nobuo Noda from Hokkaido University shared his work on the functions of ATG protein complexes, offering key insights into the molecular networks involved in autophagosome formation. 

This year’s event adopted an innovative format that combined keynote lectures, thematic reports, poster presentations and industry technology sharing. It included 10 thematic sessions, with interactive discussions following each presentation, which fostered a vibrant academic atmosphere.

Awards for outstanding posters are given to recognize innovative work from emerging researchers. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC] 

A special poster section was set up for young scholars to showcase their findings, enabling them to engage with experts and receive valuable feedback. Awards for outstanding posters were given to recognize innovative work from emerging researchers. 

In addition, industry presentations focused on the trends in laboratory automation for life sciences, as well as research tools for studying autophagy signaling pathways, aiming to facilitate academia-industry-research collaborations.

The Fifth Chinese Congress on Autophagy not only highlighted the latest academic advancements in the field of autophagy but also promoted deeper international exchange. The event helped accelerate breakthroughs in basic research, pushed forward clinical applications and supported the development of young scientific talent. Participants in the congress said it has made significant contributions to the growth of autophagy studies worldwide.