Second Public Conference
Shaping the Future: The Impact of Structural Biology
Rome, Italy
October 19, 1999

Nobel laureates Robert Huber and John E. Walker were among the distinguished speakers at this special symposium on structural biology. More than 200 scientists and clinicians participated, gaining insights from five of the most eminent researchers in the field. Structural biology is now recognized as a key to understanding intracellular processes, and is expected to provide direction for innovations in therapies for the diseases that plague mankind. Five main areas were discussed: the way in which structural biology has revolutionized our understanding of immune recognition and how we defend ourselves against pathogens; how the structures of viruses have provided direction for designing better vaccines and thinking more constructively about antiviral drugs; structures involved in the harnessing and use of energy in cells, by both photosynthesis and respiration; controlled protein breakdown in cells; and how studies of muscle protein structures are expanding our knowledge of biologic motors and motion in cells. This meeting provided a valuable forum for collaboration through direct contact and mingling, which is essential for scientific progress.

Chairs:

  Maurizio Brunori
Universita di Roma "La Sapienza", Italia

  Giulia De Lorenzo
Universita di Roma "La Sapienza", Italia

Speakers:

   Robert Huber (Nobel laureate) - photosynthesis
Max-Planck Institut für Biochemie, Germany

   John E Walker (Nobel Laureate) - bioenergetics
Medical Research Council, UK

   Don C Wiley - immunology
Harvard University, USA

   Ken C Holmes - motility
Max-Planck Institut für Medizinische Forschung, Germany

   Stephen C Harrison - virology
Harvard Medical School, USA
Contents of the Symposium:
(PDF file requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

  T-Cell Receptor/MHC/Peptide Complexes that Signal Differently Have Nearly Identical Structures
  Viruses as Molecular Machines
  Photosynthetic Light Reactions: What We Learn From Structure About Physics
  The Rotary Mechanism of ATP Synthase
  The Molecular Mechanism of Muscle Contraction

 

Home
Site Map
Contact
HMS
Overview
HMS Centers
News
Symposia
Grants