Structural Genomics – an example of transdisciplinary research at Stanford

1. Opportunities and Challenges in the Post Genome Sequencing Era Bio-X Satellite at SSRL –addressing Stanford’s needs in Structural Molecular Biology and home to Stanford’s structural genomics initiative Structural Genomics – an example of transdisciplinary research at Stanford • Goal of structural and functional genomics is to determine and analyze all possible protein structures based on target selection criteria utilizing advanced methodology and technology • Joint Center for Structural Genomics • Involves scientists from Stanford, UCSD, Scripps, Berkeley, and Salk with collaborators from around the world • Is developing advanced methods for automated determination of protein structures using a transdisciplinary approach • Is one of 7 centers in the USAfunded as pilot center by NIH-NIGMS • Is positioned to take on worldwide leadership in structural genomics • Transdisciplinary Approach to Life Sciences • Development of crystallographic algorithms to automate structure determination (Mathematics/Physics/Structural Biology) • Utilization of artificial intelligence to develop rule based systems for optimization of overall process (Computer Sciences) • Development of large scale databases for storage of experimental data and development of data mining for analysis (Information Sciences) • Development of robotics systems for sample handling under cryogenic conditions (mechanical and electrical engineering) • Development of advanced beam line instrumentation for automated data collection (synchrotron research) • Target Selection (genetics and proteomics) • Target expression and crystallization (biochemistry and molecular biology) • Structural and functional analysis (proteomics and bioinformatics) Motivation, Perspectives and Goals • Enabling students and postdoctoral fellows to be trained on one of the world’s premier facilities for Structural Molecular Biology in an integrated environment that stimulates and fosters new scientific ideas • Intellectual Strength at Stanford • outstanding students and postdoctoral fellows • outstanding faculty in strong programs in the life, physical and engineering sciences with strong interest in and need for knowledge of biomolecular structure • SSRL Advantage in Infrastructure and as a Component of Bio-X • SSRL in collaboration with The Scripps Research Institute and UCSD forms the Joint Center for Structural Genomics funded by the NIH-NIGMS • SSRL provides world class capabilities easily accessible to departments on campus • very strong existing SSRL program in structural biology (3 faculty, 9 scientists, 29 support staff) • special expertise in large/complex systems, specialized instrumentation and new methodology • Stanford has new beam line (BL11-1) for enabling frontier macromolecular crystallography research • Possible Integration within the Framework of Bio-X • satellite activity on the SLAC campus located adjacent to synchrotron experimental hall • workshop-like atmosphere facilitates interaction among Stanford students/postdoctorals, scientific staff, and a large and growing international user community • space for on-site “off-line” x-ray equipment for screening and data collection maintained by trained staff and sharing on-site spares for detectors and computers • opportunity for locating and supporting other core activities like parallel compute farms which leverage on expertise at SLAC in managing high performance, high storage capacity systems