EpiHK-4DN: Nuclear Architecture & Epigenome Dynamics

Conference Website

http://ias.ust.hk/events/202611naed/

Overview

The spatial organization of the genome within the nucleus is a fundamental layer of gene regulation that underpins cellular identity, development, and disease. Over the past decade, advances in chromatin conformation capture, epigenomic profiling, and single-cell technologies have revealed that genome function is tightly coupled to its three-dimensional (3D) architecture. However, understanding how epigenetic states, regulatory elements, and higher-order chromatin structures are mechanistically integrated to control gene expression in a cell-type-specific and dynamic manner remains challenging. In particular, regulatory elements are increasingly recognized as important contributors to chromatin organization and gene regulation, yet their roles within 3D genome architecture are poorly defined. Emerging technologies such as single-cell multi-omics, high-resolution chromatin interaction mapping, and perturbation-based epigenome editing are now enabling direct interrogation of the relationships between chromatin state, genome structure, and function. These developments create a timely opportunity to move beyond descriptive studies toward a more unified and mechanistic understanding of nuclear genome regulation.

This Conference will bring together leading researchers working at the interface of epigenomics, chromatin biology, and 3D genome organization to address these challenges. By integrating perspectives from molecular biology, genomics, biophysics, and computational modeling, this Conference will highlight new conceptual frameworks and experimental approaches that link regulatory element activity, chromatin state, and spatial genome organization. Particular emphasis will be placed on emerging directions such as single-cell and multi-modal measurements, causal perturbation strategies, and the role of non-coding and repetitive elements in shaping genome architecture. By convening a diverse and international group of experts and trainees, the Conference will accelerate progress toward a more integrated understanding of genome regulation in development and disease, while strengthening connections across the rapidly evolving 3D genomics and epigenomics communities.

Organizers

Program Coordinators:

• Melissa FULLWOOD, Nanyang Technological University

• Ichiro HIRATANI, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research

• Inkyung JUNG, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

• Danny LEUNG,The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

• Wei XIE, Tsinghua University

Local organizing Committee:

• Alfred CHENG, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Jason WONG, The University of Hong Kong

• Jian YAN, City University of Hong Kong

Co-sponsors

• Croucher Foundation

• The Hong Kong Epigenomics Project

• KC Wong Education Foundation

• Division of Life Science, HKUST

• School of Science, HKUST

• Dovetail Genomics

• Alpha Labs Limited

• Griffin Biotech Limited

• Novogene (HK) Company Limited

Enquiries

For further enquiries, please contact the workshop secretariat at ias2026naed@ust.hk.