RCN: Emerging Methodologies for Molecular Structure Determination in Biological Solids

建立在2003年建立的生物固体核磁共振研究网络(RCN-NBS)模型的基础上，这个生物固体分子结构确定新方法的RCN项目将协调扫描探针显微镜(SPM)、低温电子显微镜(CEM)和固体核磁共振(ss核磁共振)光谱的技术密集应用，目标是促进对生物大分子组件的分子结构和机械性质的了解，这些组件无法通过传统的结晶学方法进行研究。RCN-SCN社区将在美国和世界各地的大学、政府和工业研究人员团体之间建立开放和频繁的交流，以解决有关蛋白质、核酸、脂类、药物、植物聚合物和土壤有机物质的分子结构和相互作用的基本问题。用于广泛分享和传播技术专长和科学成果的具体战略将包括：(1)通过非正式会议、海报展示和科学会议上分发小册子招募成员；(2)由网络参与者主办的、侧重于专门方法或生物应用的动手用户讲习班；(3)向非专业人员介绍蛋白质组件、脂膜和植物表面的SS核磁共振、CEM和SPM的短期“基础”课程；(4)注重研究的本科生实验室练习，重点是生物固体的SPM和SS核磁共振；(5)为远程访问SPM开发网络基础设施；(6)在纽约结构生物学中心、德克萨斯农工大学或主要国家生物物理学和纳米技术界会议地点举办的年度研讨会；(7)针对高中生的关于植物大分子组装的年度实验室课程；(8)研究合作圆桌会议活动，以探索CEM、SPM和单核磁共振对土壤有机质等未被研究的生物固体的协同作用；(9)社区网站，将宣布活动，促进注册，允许分发课程材料，并为各机构的研究人员和教师提供技术交流中心。指导委员会将通过定期制定和评估活动和与会者的数量和平衡的目标来评估进展情况，特别强调跨越方法界限的活动，并鼓励职业生涯早期和代表性不足的群体参与。这项活动的更广泛影响将包括建立必要的基础设施，以实现参与科学家研究的大分子组装的全面分子理解，并加强研究生、本科生和高中生在扫描探针显微镜、低温电子显微镜和生物固体的固体核磁共振光谱学方面的研究培训。通过向更大的生物科学界传播技术信息，RCN活动还将促进对参与机构及其世界各地同行利用这些复杂的实验技术开始出现的分子信息的高度认识和交叉交流。主持RCN-SCN研讨会和课程的学生和教职员工将获得更好的领导力和教学技能，这对他们的职业发展至关重要。最后，使用SCN方法的这些活动将通过强调非正式的专业接触来促进女性结构生物学家的参与，并将通过提供创新的实验室计划来欢迎来自未被充分代表的少数民族人口的本科生和高中生。

Building on the model of an RCN for NMR of Biological Solids (RCN-NBS) established in 2003, this RCN project on Emerging Methodologies for Molecular Structure Determination of Biological Solids will coordinate technique-intensive application of scanning probe microscopy (SPM), cryoelectron microscopy (CEM), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy with the goal of advancing knowledge on the molecular structure and mechanical properties of biomacromolecular assemblies that are not amenable to study by traditional crystallographic methods. The RCN-SCN community will establish open and frequent communication among groups of university, government, and industrial researchers across the United States and worldwide in order to address fundamental questions regarding the molecular architecture and interactions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, pharmaceuticals, plant polymers, and soil organic matter. The specific strategies used to broadly share and disseminate technical expertise and scientific results will include: (1) member recruitment using informal meetings, poster presentations, and brochure distribution at scientific conferences; (2) hands-on user workshops hosted by network participants and focused on specialized methodologies or biological applications; (3) short 'fundamentals' courses introducing nonspecialists to ssNMR, CEM, and SPM of protein assemblies, lipid membranes, and plant surfaces; (4) research-inspired undergraduate laboratory exercises focusing on SPM and ssNMR of biological solids; (5) cyberinfrastructure development for remote access to SPM; (6) annual symposia held at the New York Structural Biology Center, Texas A&M University, or major national meeting sites for the biophysics and nanotechnology communities; (7) a yearly laboratory course on plant macromolecular assemblies for high school students; (8) research collaboration roundtable events to explore CEM, SPM, and ssNMR synergies for understudied biological solids such as soil organic matter; (9) a community website that will announce events, facilitate registration, permit distribution of course materials, and provide a technical clearinghouse for researchers and instructors located at the various institutions. A Steering Committee will evaluate progress by periodically setting and assessing goals for the number and balance of activities and attendees, with particular emphasis on activities that cross methodological boundaries and encourage participation of early-career and underrepresented groups.The broader impacts of this activity will include the establishment of essential infrastructure to achieve a comprehensive molecular understanding of the macromolecular assemblies under study by the participating scientists and enhance research training in scanning probe microscopy, cryoelectron microscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of biological solids for graduate, undergraduate, and high school students. Through dissemination of technical information to the larger biological scientific community, this RCN activity will also foster heightened awareness and cross-communication regarding the molecular information that is beginning to emerge using these sophisticated experimental techniques at the participating institutes and their counterparts worldwide. The students and faculty who host RCN-SCN workshops and courses will acquire improved leadership and teaching skills that are fundamental to their career development. Finally, these activities using SCN methodologies will foster the participation of female structural biologists by emphasizing informal professional contacts and will welcome undergraduates and high school students from underrepresented ethnic populations by offering innovative laboratory programs.