Uncovering and Capitalizing on the Chemistry of Metals in Biology

GRS Speaker Abstract Deadline: Although applications will be accepted until the date noted above, any applicants who wish to be considered for an oral presentation should submit their application by October 27, 2017.

Meeting Description

From controlling the transport of metals into, out of and around the cell to positioning metals in active sites to do chemical transformations that inspire synthetic chemists, biology still has unparalleled mastery that bioinorganic chemists seek to understand. A variety of diseases, from cancer to nutrient imbalances, involve processes of metal transport and reactivity within the body, making our goal of understanding the role of metals in biology an important biomedical direction. This Gordon Research Seminar presents the most novel research in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, providing a current view into our knowledge of the roles of metal in biology and our progress in emulating this chemistry. In addition to experimental investigations, this conference will highlight the emerging roles that computational tools, such as molecular dynamics, quantum mechanical calculations, bioinformatics and RNA-seq analysis, have in understanding bioinorganic chemistry.

Now in its 22nd year, the Bioinorganic Chemistry GRS was established in 1996 to supplement the routinely oversubscribed Metals in Biology Gordon Research Conference (GRC). The GRS provides a platform for young scientists to hear novel research and take part in a dynamic scientific community. The breadth of the bioinorganic chemistry field creates a collaborative environment for scientists from a variety of fields that are united by an interest in biology and inorganic chemistry. A joint session with the Metals in Biology GRC and a focus on connecting young scientists looking for their next career move with senior researchers provides exceptional networking opportunities.

We encourage prospective attendees to apply early as the GRS has been consistently oversubscribed due to the unique format of this GRS. Any scientist at the graduate student or postdoc level in the field of bioinorganic chemistry is welcome to apply. Preference will be given to those who submit poster or talk abstracts. Please contact the 2018 Chair, Jack Nicoludis, if you have any questions.

The seminar will consist of the following sessions:

• Metal homeostasis: moving metals into, out of, and around the cell
• Inspired by nature: designing metalloproteins and inorganic catalysts
• Spectroscopic methods to study metal reactivity and the flow of electrons in the cell
• Emerging computational tools for bioinorganic chemistry
• Structure-function relationships in bioinorganic macromolecules