Workshop for High Resolution X-ray analysis in Biological Systems: 
New Opportunities

Hosted by APS/XFD and NU
Bldg. 401, Rm. A5000
March 21-22, 2005   

Completed and ongoing sequencing of the human and other genomes has led to functional studies of gene expression at the level of complete genomes, and to studies of the intracellular environment and subcellular structures associated with particular gene functions. Just as whole genomes are studied instead of individual genes, the new biology is also concerned with whole cells and organelles rather than individual proteins.

Fluctuations in cellular homeostasis involve dynamic changes in the concentrations and localization of metals, and an ever increasing body of biological studies is showing the importance of metals in health and disease. Metals are essential to most biological functions, their dysregulation contributes to many degenerative diseases, their uptake is important for many pathogenic diseases and cancer growth, and they represent an increasingly important class of drugs used to treat a diverse variety of diseases

Using x-ray fluorescence microscopy, the elemental and chemical state of trace metals in biological systems can be studied quantitatively at high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The development of a hard x-ray bio-nanoprobe and supporting instrumentation is an essential component of advancing those studies. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the current and required future capabilities of the x-ray microbeams in this respect, and to identify novel applications.

The one and a half day workshop is sponsored by the XFD Division of Argonne National Laboratory, and by Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Brief overview of key microscopic techniques and current applications of x-ray microbeams will be presented, followed by future applications. Ample time will be allowed for open discussion, and attendee's feedback will be greatly encouraged.