Ligand-Macromolecule Recognition: A Collaboration in Research and Education Between Vanderbilt and Leipzig Universities.

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

Vanderbilt and Leipzig Universities in the area of Chemical Biology will establish a sustainable collaboration in education and research to study the fundamentals of ligand-macromolecule recognition by combining chemical tool compounds with biophysical techniques. The similar research foci of both institutions combined with complementary technologies will provide students and post-doctoral fellows with a comprehensive education. Jens Meiler of Vanderbilt University (VU) and Annette Beck-Sickinger of Leipzig University (LU) spearhead this initiative. Intellectual Merit: Although ligand-macromolecule recognition is at the core of biological processes, it is still poorly understood. LU offers basic science expertise with unique tool compounds such as carbaborane analogues, non-natural amino acid peptides, leading technology for expression of labeled human membrane proteins and solid-state NMR studies of such membrane proteins. This is complemented by VU?s translational science expertise in liquid-state NMR and EPR studies, a high-throughput screening facility to identify novel tool compounds, and computational modeling technologies unique for ligandmacromolecule recognition. The collaboration is further strengthened through the joint development of novel biochemical assays. Broader Impacts: This project will support a) planning visits, and b) exchange of students and post-doctoral fellows on all levels. Four planning visits of Jens Meiler and five other VU faculty to LU in Leipzig, Germany will occur on an annual basis. During their stay the VU researchers will present at scientific symposia, participate in roundtable discussions, and meet with potential collaborators one-on-one. Technology exchange will be fostered through tutorials offered by the faculty. The faculty will also develop and implement mentorship plans for student exchanges. At least six research visits per year will involve the exchange and co-mentoring of students or post-doctoral fellows from VU. Participating in an international program, teaching and learning new ideas, publication of a scientific manuscript, and attending research seminars are collectively experiences that are invaluable for a young scientist. Their participation in international exchange will broaden their perspectives, thus making them more competitive in their field. The students will share ideas and techniques with their collaborators, and similarly instruct their home laboratory with the knowledge gained at LU. Additionally, their experiences will enhance applications to the ?International Research Fellowship Program? and ?Graduate Research Fellowship Program?. Exchange visits are complemented by a comprehensive set of off-site tools such as joint website (www.leipzig.vanderbilt.edu), project wiki pages to exchange data and tutorials, and video conferences. The proposal further involves exchange of undergraduate students with focus on groups underrepresented in science leveraging the PI?s CAREER award undergraduate open house. The collaboration is mutually beneficial as it provides access to complementary knowledge and technologies. Researchers will travel in both directions: U.S. researchers supported through the present proposal, German researchers through grant support from the German Academic Exchange Service and the German Research Foundation.