We had set out this summer with a vision -- a scientific vision to build new bridges between polymer physics and the understanding of biological macromolecules; a vision to bring together people from different academic disciplines and different institutions to catalyze the free exchange of ideas across these various boundaries.
Our spirited vision caught fire amongst many scientists in the area. We had a positive response of over 100 people who enthusiastically signed up for our summer school. We averaged an attendance of 30-40 each week for 9 consecutive weeks. We had a good mix of participants: students and professors from Harvard, MIT, Harvard Medical School, Brandeis, Boston University, and even some biotech companies. The weekly sessions consisted of Frontiers Lectures, Tutorial Lectures, a Think Tank on DNA, and an Interactive Research Affair / Poster Session.
We started off with some of the rudiments of polymer theory and lingo with Gareth McKinley and explored some of the current frontiers on the interface of theoretical polymer physics and the biology of macromolecules. Gene Stanley gave us a glimpse of the current frontiers in understanding water as a cross linked polymer as well some examples of how methods from statistical physics could be used to analyze "junk" (noncoding) DNA. David Nelson talked about defects and braiding in biological crystals, such as dense polymer arrays of DNA. Alexander Grosberg took us from DNA and proteins to gels and synthetic polymers in the context of the chain-collapse transition. Just as phase transitions are important in understanding the conversion of gaseous matter to more condensed states, the chain-collapse transition is critical in understanding some of the condensed phases of polymer solutions.
During the third week of our summer school, we began to focus on the physical properties of DNA with Maxim Frank-Kammentski. Afterwards, we conducted a Think Tank on the biological ramifications of the physical properties of DNA. This exercise in group dynamics sparked heated contention and invited enticing opinions from our audience. We proposed a few questions for focusing the discussion and then split up the audience into small groups. Each party of about five discussed their questions in an intimate setting for about 20 minutes. We then assembled as a "tank," and each group presented a summary of their discussion, posed a question to our panel, and shared some of their wild speculations. Professors Frank-Kammentski and Grosberg fielded questions from each group. Just to spice things up with some controversy, we added an element of free crossfire, whereby other groups could dispute the remarks of their colleagues. For instance, this activity generated some stimulating notions on how thermal fluctuations in a DNA molecule could affect DNA damage, protein-DNA interactions, and the "plasticity" of the genome by altering the fidelity of polymerases.
From the shores of theoretical polymer physics, we continued our voyage into the waters of biology. We contemplated upon some real-life examples where the physical properties of DNA could be instrumental in understanding biological processes such as gene transcription with Jeff Gelles and chromosomal DNA separation during cell division with Jean-Louis Sikorav (who was visiting from Saclay, France).
From the level of resolution of single molecules, we next zoomed out to a higher level of macromolecular complexity. We approached the cell as an organized network of polymers and ventured to understand how polymer physics may provide new insights. Don Ingber discussed tensegrity and the fascinating concept of how a network of polymers could translate external mechanical forces into biochemical signals that could then direct life processes in the cell. Seth Fraden built the bridge coming from the direction of a physicist who studies liquid-crystalline phases of virus particles and the intriguing phenomena of their ordering.
Toyo Tanaka made a convincing case and an entertaining demonstration of the intelligence of polymers. How, for example, can proteins memorize conformations, specifically recognize certain molecules, and catalyze reactions and molecular motions? An Interactive Research Affair followed. Our participants brought some physical manifestation of their work: such as posters, abstracts, or reprints. This granted us the opportunity to discuss our work with each other in an informal context. (In essence, we conducted a "science fair" for adults.) This affair also included some Special Presentations by Matthai Mammen on polymers as drugs and by Sergey Buldrev on the capabilities of the CD-ROM program featured in the new book Giant Molecules .
Howard Berg introduced an exquisite profile of the physical properties of bacterial flagella and their likely role in bacterial motility. With Dan Branton and Jene Golovchenko, we explored the prospects of sequencing single DNA molecules by pulling them through tiny holes.
Paul Janmey focused on the mechanical properties of cytoskeletal networks: how a network of actin polymers can be used to not only test basic theories of polymer physics but also to explore the effects that their physical properties such as visco-elasticity may have in biological function. Joseph Kas showed us how myosin motors can be used to cross link actin networks and thereby effectively modulate their bulk properties.
We closed with a Finale Session on the Capabilities and Limitations of the Experimental Techniques used to answer questions in this area. We reviewed static and dynamic light scattering techniques with Rama Bansil and birefringence techniques with Gareth McKinley. I gave a short review of emerging techniques used in the optical and magnetic micro-manipulation of DNA and other polymers. Dmitri Vezenov discussed the use of AFM's to study biopolymers, and Jay Tang shared with us some practical ABC's of doing rheology.
Along with our speakers and participants, I would like to thank the Rowland Institute for graciously hosting this event, as well as the Division of HST for generously supporting our endeavors this summer. The Rowland Institute was built by Dr. Edwin Land as a part of his vision to create an environment for highly interdisciplinary scientific endeavors, a think tank for visionaries and dreamers, and a meeting ground for the free exchange of ideas. The Division of HST was founded with a similar mission. In the words of alumnus Dr. David Ho, it seeks to cultivate a "mutli-disciplinary approach to research which is not limited by the arbitrary boundaries that usually separate medicine from the physical sciences, engineering, and mathematics." HST catered a fancy luncheon each week for our symposium that took place in the Rowland Executive Dining Room. This furnished the ambiance and occasion for mingling and many informal scientific discussions.
I would also like to thank our organizing committee that consisted of folks from Harvard, MIT, BU, and the Medical School who helped in planning and promotion and assumed a spirited role in participating in our weekly discussions. Many thanks to Luis Cruz, Rose Du, Jagesh Shah, David Lubensky, Shilpa Jain, Meredith Betterton, and Wujing Xian. In addition, Wujing helped to coordinate registration, reception, and audiovisual support throughout the summer.
Within the Rowland Institute: Diane Williams has been very helpful from the inception of our vision. She designed our excellent web page, assisted in compiling the proceedings booklet, and enthusiastically helped to mastermind meeting planning issues and logistics. Steve May has been especially supportive. He and his staff really made sure that our meetings took place smoothly each week. Nica Bell made signs every week, directed parking, and helped in registration and poster sessions. Security Officers Warren Harrington and John S. Yetton were very helpful in greeting and directing guests. Nelson Bello, Daysi Gurerro, Eroll Worrell, Manuel Tejdo, Emma Barony, and Angela Majia helped in setup and cleanup. Lillian Christmas arrived early in the morning to set up refreshments and set up the dining room for the informal lunch discussions. She was also gracious to structure the weekly agendas. Donna Sokov faxed flyers to different depts. Nancy Kackley and Barbara McCaffrey were supportive and helpful from our planning meeting onwards. Bob Savoy kindly let us use his video projector. MaryAnn Nilsson was kindly available when we had questions regarding audiovisuals. We appreciate Jeff Hoch and Mike Burns for general advice and support. Many thanks to Professors Howard Berg and Jene Golovchenko for their blessings and backing throughout.
A flame of fresh enthusiasm and energy for emerging new research at the interface of physics and biology has been kindled here this summer. It is a great source of joy to see such a synergistic effort having gone into making this vision come to life this summer.
Sincerely,
Anita Goel
"Through these talks, I got to know what kinds of interesting questions people are working on; why they are worth pursuing; and to what extent people can understand them; also the different experimental techniques people have used to seek answers. Since my major is on something more or less like a tiny field in chemical engineering, I have learned lots of new things. More specifically, I even got some enlightenment helpful for my own research subject when I listened to a short talk during the last meeting on something potentially very useful."
Xiao-Dong Pan
(Grad Student)
Div. Engr. Appl. Sci.
Harvard University
"Although I was in attendance at only one lecture in your workshop series, I found it most interesting, informative and well focused. It was relevant to my work and gave me a vastly different perspective of both the subject and the speaker .
In the future, I would be interested in learning of the sessions
early and scheduling them into my calendar. Parking is, I assume,
a problem for everyone. Other than that, I was very impressed."
Brian Rogers
The Gillette Company
"The workshop was most stimulating. As one coming to the topics from physics and biophysics ( but not from a polymer perspective ) it was particularly enriching and provocative. ( I still have to sit down and figure out the whole business of pickup sticks - postmodern physics !) There was ample opportunity for informal discussion, and a general relaxed atmosphere. I always looked forward to Thursday mornings."
Professor Bernard Chasan
Physics Dept, Boston University
"The workshop was very successful and I enjoyed it very much. Thus the zeroth order of response is to do more of the same. The general theme of the relationship between microscopic properties and mesoscopic biological functioning will remain very important.
I thought the whole affair was excellently organized and presented."
Professor Chuck Willis
Physics Dept, Boston University
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