Dear Colleagues,

It is our great pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the international meeting on RecQ Helicases and Related Diseases to be held on February 16-18, 2018 in Chiba, Japan.

Werner, Bloom, Rothmund-Thomson, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, Cockayne syndromes and xeroderma pigmentosum are rare genetic disorders that are referred to as progeroid syndromes. They are caused by mutations in genes that encode DNA helicases or are involved in DNA damage response and regulation of nuclear functions. The patients suffer from premature aging symptoms, and their precise mechanisms remains to be elucidated.

Currently, the world is experiencing the most advanced “population aging” in the human history. The United Nations predicts that 42.5% and 27.9 % of the citizens will be over 65 years old in 2050 in Japan and the USA, respectively. Therefore, most of developed countries are struggling to become prepared for the upcoming super-aged societies.

In accordance with this situation, the organizing committee of this symposium views aging science as an urgent need. This three-day conference will provide a unique opportunity for cutting-edge researchers, physician scientists and clinicians who are interested in RecQ helicases and related diseases as well as aging research to exchange the highest level of basic and clinical insights. In addition, patients and family sessions will cover topics aiming at improvement in health management and quality of life. The goal of this conference is to merge our knowledge and raise new translational science on progeroid syndromes and general aging.

We strongly hope, and are confident, that this conference will provide an exciting, stimulating and fruitful experience for all the participants. We look forward to seeing you and have discussion in Chiba soon.

This symposium is organized by the RECQ2018 steering committee with the Japan Intractable Diseases (Nanbyo) Research Foundation.

Sincerely,