From November 1 to 2, 2025, the Ray Wu Symposium & Decoding the Secrets of Life was held in Guangming District, Shenzhen. The symposium was co-organized by Professor Xiaohong SUN, Professor Charles Lieber (Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School), Professor Xiangdong FU (Westlake University), and Professor Xiaodong WANG (National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing & Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University). 

As global life sciences advance, our understanding of brain function, cellular regulation, and disease pathogenesis is undergoing transformative progress. Focusing on the theme of "decoding the secrets of life", the symposium brought together leading scholars worldwide in neuroscience, cellular biology, imaging technologies, and related fields. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on frontier topics including cell fate and death, circadian rhythm and brain state, neural development and plasticity, and brain imaging techniques, collectively driving innovations in life sciences. The symposium successfully established a high-level global platform designed to invite top scientists to share the latest research, stimulate innovative thinking, and provide young scholars with  opportunities to present and exchange ideas. 

On the morning of November 1, the opening ceremony was hosted by Yang LIU (Researcher, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory). Xinhao ZHANG (Assistant Dean, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation & Deputy Director, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory) delivered the opening address. 

In the session on decoding cell fate and death, experts provided in-depth analyses from multiple perspectives. Professor Xiaodong WANG (National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing & Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University) systematically elaborated on the mechanisms of regulated cell death in human health and disease. Professor Xiang-Dong FU (Westlake University) focused on the progressive impairment of neuromuscular junctions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), highlighting the key roles of mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant RNA splicing in disease progression. 

In the afternoon, the focus of the session shifted to the theme of "circadian rhythm, brain state and behavior". Professor Charles Lieber (Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School) introduced cutting-edge applications of chemistry and biology in brain-computer interface technology. Professor Yishi JIN (University of California, San Diego) shared insights into the molecular mechanisms of neuronal stress response. Professor Xinzhong DONG (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine & Howard Hughes Medical Institute) systematically outlined the multiple functions of the MRGPR family in itch sensation and innate immunity. Professor Yang DAN (Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation) provided an in-depth explanation of the circuit mechanisms underlying global consciousness network, elucidating how brain information transmission is regulated during sleep and anesthesia. 

On the morning of November 2, the session on "neural development and plasticity" featured a series of cutting-edge research presentations. Professor Kang SHEN (Stanford University & Howard Hughes Medical Institute) systematically elucidated the role of cellular biology of neurons in development and disease. Professor Hongjun SONG (University of Pennsylvania) employed organoid models to reveal the relationship between glioblastoma and developmental neurobiology. Professor Yi ZUO (University of California, Santa Cruz) utilized in vivo imaging techniques to reveal the structural basis of synaptic plasticity during motor learning. 

Professor Peilong LU (Westlake University) introduced the methods for de novo design of transmembrane proteins, and Professor Huan YAN (Wuhan University) shared strategies for the recognition and design of viral receptors. 

During the session on "optical probe and super-resolution imaging", Professor Robert CAMPBELL (The University of Tokyo) presented the applications of fluorescent biosensors in the research of cellular signaling and metabolism. Professor Bo HUANG (University of California, San Francisco) introduced how live-cell imaging can be used to decode protein behavior and highlighted how integrating generative AI models is propelling cellular biology research into a new era.

The symposium included a dedicated session of short presentations by young scholars. Young scientists from institutions including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Westlake University, ShanghaiTech University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China Agricultural University presented their cutting-edge work. The presentations covered innovations across multiple fields, such as metabolic enzyme assembly, AI-driven decoding of cellular features, structure of the sperm-specific calcium channel, sensory neuron development, catalytic RNA exploration, mechanisms for treating chronic pruritus, and regulation of cognition via the lipid-microorganism-brain axis. These contributions represented the innovative vitality and interdisciplinary research capabilities of the new generation of scientists. 

Nieng YAN

The symposium concluded with a closing address by Professor Nieng YAN (Dean, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation & Director, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory). She remarked that the symposium not only presented the latest advances in life sciences but also provided a valuable platform for exchange among young scholars, which is a vivid reflection of the scientific community's commitment to fostering inheritance and innovation. 

The symposium served not only as an academic gathering but also a valuable opportunity for intellectual exchange and inspiration. Covering frontier areas of life sciences, such as cell death mechanism, brain-computer interface, neural development, and AI-driven cellular decoding, it reflected a sustained commitment among scientists to "decoding the secrets of life". We look forward to seeing more young scientists, inspired by their predecessors, continue to push the scientific boundaries and contribute their wisdom and strength to advances in human health and the life sciences.