CAREER: Theoretical Investigations of Non-Equlibrium Processes in Chemistry and Biology

莱斯大学的Anatoly Kolomeisky得到了理论和计算化学项目的支持，致力于研究和传播与基于微观化学的生物学理解相关的非平衡过程领域的知识。 他将研究跨纳米孔的聚合物易位的动力学，扩展模型来解释为什么作为加载速率的函数的配体-受体键断裂偏离胡克定律，研究分子马达，并确定在生物学上有趣的细丝聚合的机制。 该领域位于化学，物理学和生物学的界面，研究将与本科生，研究生和博士后的培养密切相关。物理化学在生物学中的潜在作用仍然是一个与未来生物化学技术密切相关的智力挑战性问题领域。 本提案中所解决的问题将有助于更好地理解药物的靶向递送和随后的分散。 需要微观理解的一个相关领域是生物系统中能量如何转化为运动。这些过程的例子，所有这些都是由分子马达促进的，包括细胞分裂和运输，分子收缩和遗传转录。 Kolomeisky计划扩展他对分子马达的研究。 传授的知识和必要的技能，化学，生物和物理科学家的多学科阵列将通过引入生物物理化学课程，是针对高年级本科生或开始研究生水平的学生完成。 通过向高中学生和教师进行宣传，将提高对这一新领域的早期兴趣。

Anatoly Kolomeisky of Rice University is supported by the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Program to pursue research and disseminate knowledge in the area of non-equilibrium processes relevant to a microscopic chemistry-based understanding of biology. He will study the dynamics of polymer translocation across nanopores, extend models to explain why the ligand-receptor bond rupture as a function of loading rate deviates from Hooke's law, investigate molecular motors, and determine the mechanisms for polymerization in biologically interesting filaments. This field lies at the interface of chemistry, physics and biology and the research will be closely coupled to the training of undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students.The underlying role of physical chemistry in biology remains an intellectually challenging problem area of great relevance to future biochemical technologies. Problems addressed in this proposal will allow for a better understanding of targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals and subsequent dispersal. A related area in need of a microscopic understanding is how conversion of energy into motion proceeds in biological systems. Examples of such processes, all of which are facilitated by molecular motors, include cell division and transport, molecular contraction and genetic transcription. Kolomeisky plans to extend his research on molecular motors. Imparting the knowledge and requisite skills to a multidisciplinary array of chemical, biological and physical scientists will be accomplished by introducing a course on biophysical chemistry that is aimed at the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level student. Early interest in this new area will be raised by outreach to high school students and teachers.