| Research Project | Fluctuation and dynamical network for biological function based on molecular science |
| Project Leader | Dr. Masahide TERAZIMA, Professor, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University |
| Objectives | Activity of life essentially consists of a series of various chemical reactions and a number of biological molecules are involved in the reactions cooperatively to form a network of signal transduction. Understanding the biological reactions at a molecular level is one of major targets in many scientific fields. One of key factors in the process is "fluctuation". Biological molecules are always fluctuating by the thermal energy even during their functions. Why can such biological molecules perform selective and efficient reactions for their functions of life? Does the fluctuation play an important role for the reactions? Information on static structures of the molecules is not enough to answer that question and studies from a view point of fluctuation and reaction dynamics should be essential. In this study, we aim two targets in an interdisciplinary field between chemistry and biology. First, we will try to understand "fluctuation and biomolecular function" by clarifying importance of the fluctuations during reactions of biomolecules. Second, we will clarify molecular picture of dynamical biomolecular network; i.e., discuss how to understand dynamical ordering of biomolecular systems for creation of integrated functions. For these purposes, scientists in a variety of fields (physics, chemistry, pharmaceutical, medical etc.) will collaborate together and discuss the above topics. |