Conference: Energy Landscapes of Proteins, Glasses and Clusters: Dynamics, Folding, Function and Prediction, to be held April 1-5, 2001 in San Diego, CA

The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

Brooks, III Charles L. MCB-0091839 Energy landscape theory was the springboard for development of the "new view'" of protein folding. This framework is responsible for our growing quantitative understanding of protein folding mechanism and detailed connections to experiments probing the folding process. Parallel development of landscape theory in the study of clusters and glasses has also significantly shaped understanding in this field. The interchange of ideas and concepts between these two distinct areas has added to the growth of each. However, more detailed exchanges and forums for discussion and presentation of underlying ideas and questions will aid continuing development of both areas. The goal of this symposium is to provide this forum for a discussion of common themes between folding and glasses and cluster phenomena, to promote the exchange of ideas between these communities, to survey the advances that have hallmarked each area, and to point to the challenges that remain in both. The exciting new advances that have taken place in these areas of investigation would have been impossible without the integration of the new theoretical and experimental advances in computational chemistry and physical chemistry that have been successfully applied to molecular biology and biochemistry. In this symposium, we will integrate the different groups that have taken part in shaping the successes this interdisciplinary persuit aimed at a quantitative understanding of the folding problem. The ACS Spring Meeting in 2001 at San Diego will provide the appropriate forum for this event.