Musculoskeletal biology is rapidly evolving toward an integrated understanding of bone, cartilage, muscle, and their microenvironments, driven by advances in systems biology, organoid models, microphysiological platforms, and spatial omics technologies. This symposium aims to explore the frontiers of next-generation musculoskeletal biology research by showcasing innovative model systems and advanced analytical approaches that are redefining our understanding of skeletal health and disease. Professor Ng Shyh-Chang (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China) has contributed significantly to the conceptual and technological development of next-generation musculoskeletal biology. His lecture will introduce skeletal muscle organoid models to study exercise and insulin resistance, highlighting how organoid-based systems can provide new insights into muscle metabolism and the broader landscape of musculoskeletal biology. Professor Junmin Lee (POSTECH, Korea) will introduce Bone-on-a-Chip models and organoid systems that recapitulate osteochondral tissue interfaces, discussing how these platforms can revolutionize bone regeneration research. He will present strategies that combine microfluidic technology with three-dimensional tissue engineering to precisely recreate the skeletal microenvironment in vitro. Professor Lutian Yao (The First Hospital of China Medical University, China) utilizes spatial transcriptomics to investigate the spatial organization of cellular microenvironments and regenerative processes within bone tissue. This talk will present recent advances in mapping cellular niches in bone and their implications for understanding skeletal regeneration. Together, this session will highlight how diverse next-generation technologies are reshaping musculoskeletal biology and providing critical links between fundamental research and clinical applications. We warmly invite basic researchers and clinicians to join this insightful and forward-looking discussion.

As humanity extends its reach toward the Moon and Mars, understanding the biological impact of the space environment has become a critical priority. This symposium explores the cutting-edge research in Space Biology, focusing on how microgravity accelerates physiological changes in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. We will discuss innovative drug testing on the ISS, the fundamental biological shifts in model organisms, and the systemic signaling mechanisms connecting musculoskeletal health to other organ systems. 1. Professor Junsoo Park presents groundbreaking research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This study evaluates the efficacy of new drug candidates designed to combat muscle atrophy, utilizing the extreme environment of space to accelerate and observe muscle loss in ways impossible on Earth. 2. Dr. Atsushi Higashitani explores how the lack of physical "touch" or tactile resistance in microgravity affects the neuromuscular system. Using C. elegans as a model organism, this talk reveals how reduced physical stimuli lead to functional decline, providing clues into the mechanical sensors of living cells. 3. Professor Hyeonwoo Kim delves into the complex signaling networks altered by microgravity. His talk focuses on how musculoskeletal deterioration is not an isolated event but a systemic issue, examining the intricate "crosstalk" between organs that maintains physiological homeostasis under the stress of spaceflight.