The enormously successful genome sequencing projects continue to provide complete genetic descriptions of an ever-increasing number of model organisms with over 150 organisms now sequenced. As a result of these endeavors, functional genomics looks to provide a functional characterization of each gene and its product(s). However, gene products rarely function independently. Multi-component protein assemblies are often the ultimate effectors of complex cellular functions. They can be found in biological processes from genome translation to cell motility. Structural analysis of these cellular complexes at high resolution is an emerging field highlighted by recent hybrid approaches on the ribosome, acrosomal bundle and bacterial flagella. A concerted effort, from target selection to structure annotation, will be required to further develop our understanding of these biological complexes.

To this end, the Workshop on Structural and Computational Proteomics of Biological Complexes looks to highlight and discuss recent developments in the study of large macromolecular complexes. Additionally, the workshop will seek to engage the participants in discussing the future directions of such large studies, in particular the computational infrastructure required for all aspects of research including target selection, electronic notebook and data sharing among collaborators. From this meeting, we hope to identify and address present and future problems in the study of biological complexes and suggest a common framework for interdisciplinary data exchange.

For each of the presenting participants, 30 minutes (20 min for presentation, 10 min for discussion) will be allocated to discuss the current and future work. We would also hope that each of the presenters will share some of the difficulties encountered in their research, such as data integration/management, sample preparation and scalability for structural characterizations. We would also encourage the presenters to think about the ¥Ë_big picture¥Ë_ and how their respective works integrate with other approaches and builds on the larger body of cellular processes.