CAREER: Promoting Chemical Biology Education and Research: Understanding Molecular Recognition in Membranes

化学学部生命过程化学项目的这个奖项是由分子和细胞生物科学部的生物分子系统集群共同资助的。该奖项支持科罗拉多大学博尔德分校的Hang (Hubert) Yin博士开展细胞膜分子识别的基础研究，并为Front Range地区的综合化学生物学教育项目奠定坚实的基础。整体膜蛋白通过其跨膜结构域调节关键的生物过程。但是由于缺乏高亲和力和特异性的探针，人们对细胞膜中的分子识别知之甚少。Yin博士的团队旨在开发一种普遍适用的方法来探测代表性膜蛋白系统（如大肠杆菌天冬氨酸受体，Tar）的分子识别。教学活动包括为一个渐进的、综合的化学生物学项目建立一个基础设施，使不同群体的学生、研究人员和教育工作者受益。将与当地高中合作，提高青年对化学生物学和生物技术的兴趣。我们的综合研究和教育项目的另一个重点是促进博尔德人口中代表性不足的少数群体在科学领域的发展。这项工作将通过以下方式对科学进步和当地社区产生积极影响：(1)扩大对细胞膜分子识别的基本理解；(2)阐明尚不清楚的跨膜信号转导机制；(3)整合科罗拉多大学博尔德分校的研究、教学和推广活动。

This award in the Chemistry of Life Processes program of the Chemistry Division is co-funded by the Biomolecular Systems Cluster in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. The award supports work by Dr. Hang (Hubert) Yin at the University of Colorado at Boulder to carry out fundamental studies on understanding the molecular recognition in cellular membranes and to establish a solid foundation for an integrative chemical biology educational program in the Front Range region. Integral membrane proteins regulate pivotal biological processes through their transmembrane domains. But molecular recognition in the cellular membrane is little understood due to the lack of available probes with high affinity and specificity. Dr. Yin's group aims to develop a generally applicable method to probe molecular recognition in representative membrane protein systems (e.g. Escherichia coli aspartate receptor, Tar). The pedagogic activities involve establishing an infrastructure for a progressive, integrative chemical biology program that empowers diverse groups of students, researchers and educators. Collaboration with local high schools will be carried out, promoting chemical biology and biotechnology interest in the youth. Another major focus of our integrative research and education program is on promoting under-represented minority groups in science within the Boulder population. This work will positively impact scientific advancements and the local community by: (1) expanding the fundamental understanding of molecular recognition in cellular membranes; (2) shedding light on the poorly understood mechanisms of signal transduction across membranes, and (3) integrating research, teaching, and outreach activities at the University of Colorado at Boulder.