CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines

在国家科学基金会的支持下，加州大学默塞德分校将建立细胞和生物分子机器中心。该中心将采用跨学科的方法，跨越科学和工程方法，以(i)追求对多尺度生物分子和细胞组件的结构，动力学和功能的基本理解；（ii）使用这些基本原理设计和开发从设计细胞和组织到诊断和治疗设备的新型仿生功能机器；（iii）为研究生制定一个综合的跨学科培训计划，将物理和生物成分与本科生和高中教师的研究和培训经验的监督结合起来。中心的研究是围绕三个子项目组织的，这些子项目基于所涉及的组件和过程的规模。子项目1名为“生物分子机器”，研究昼夜节律分子时钟，以开发能够实时监测细胞内特定生物过程的传感器。中心研究人员将研究蓝藻振荡器的分子机制，该振荡器由三种单体蛋白质组成，可在体外自主维持时间。研究人员还将开发单分子生物传感器的概念证明，并将其应用于在体内模型中研究心功能障碍期间发生的细胞事件。子项目2将研究生物分子、无机物和/或其混合物的创新组件的材料特性，以生产增强的功能和设备。这种方法将应用于开发一种由真菌感染引起的谷热传感器。子项目3，名为细胞和多细胞系统，研究由多个细胞组成的大规模组装。中心的研究重点是细菌群落运动和干细胞分化。重点将放在机械力对细胞命运的影响上。这些领域的进展可能导致人类健康的治疗性改善，并实施建造生物启发材料和机器的设计原则。

Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines With National Science Foundation support, the University of California Merced will establish the Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines. The Center will use an interdisciplinary approach cutting across scientific and engineering methodologies to (i) pursue a fundamental understanding of the structure, dynamics and functioning of multi-scale biomolecular and cellular assemblies; (ii) use these fundamental principles for designing and developing novel bio-inspired functioning machines ranging from designer cells and tissue to diagnostic and therapeutic devices; and (iii) develop an integrated, interdisciplinary training program for graduate students that will combine physical and biological components with supervision of research and training experiences for undergraduate students and high school teachers. Center research is organized around three subprojects based on the scales of the assemblies and processes involved. Subproject 1, entitled Biomolecular Machines, investigates circadian molecular clocks to develop sensors capable of monitoring specific biological processes inside cells in real time. Center researchers will investigate the molecular mechanisms of the cyanobacterial oscillator that is composed of three monomeric proteins that autonomously maintains time in vitro. Researchers will also develop proofs of concept for single-molecule biosensors and apply them to investigate the cellular events that occur during cardiac dysfunction in an in vivo model. Entitled Macromolecular Assemblies and Hybrid Devices, subproject 2 will study material properties of innovative assemblies of biomolecules, inorganic matter and/or their mixtures to produce enhanced functionality and devices. This method will be applied to develop a sensor for Valley Fever that is caused by a fungal infection. Subproject 3, entitled Cellular and Multicellular Systems, investigates large scale assemblies composed of multiple cells. Center research focuses on bacterial community motility and stem cell differentiation. Emphasis will be placed on the effect of mechanical force on cell fate. Progress in these areas may lead to therapeutic improvements in human health and the implementation of design principles for building bio-inspired materials and machines.