Referral & Review

The Biophysical and Chemical Sciences [BPC] IRG reviews applications on the chemistry and biophysical behavior of biologically and medicinally important molecules. This includes their isolation, structural determination, identification of biomolecular functional relationships, and the chemistry of drug discovery and biological processes, as well as bioengineering and the development of biophysical and analytical instrumentation. The range of science is often multidisciplinary and includes techniques such as: x-ray crystallography; electron microscopy; electron paramagnetic resonance [EPR] and nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] spectroscopies and related bioimaging techniques; mass spectrometry; optical spectroscopies; and related biophysical techniques.

The following study sections are included within the BPC IRG:

Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Study Section [BBCA] 
Biophysical Chemistry Study Section [BBCB]
Metallobiochemistry Study Section [BMT]
Bio-organic and Natural Products Chemistry Study Section  [BNP]
Medicinal Chemistry Study Section [MCHA]
Physical Biochemistry Study Section [PB]
Bioanalytical Engineering & Chemistry Special Emphasis Panel [BECM SEP]  
BPC Small Business Activities 

[Back to Top]

Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Study Section [BBCA]

[BBCA Roster]

The Molecular and Cellular Biophysics [BBCA] Study Section covers biophysical and physical chemical research on biological macromolecules and some aspects of the physical chemistry of biologically important small molecules. The research utilizes methodologies such as NMR, X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, modeling, and computational/thermodynamic/kinetic analysis

Specific areas covered by BBCA:

·         Physical Chemistry of biological macromolecules; conformation and structure of proteins and nucleic acids as studied by biophysical techniques, including NMR, X-ray crystallography, fluorescence, circular dichroism, calorimetry and hydrodynamic studies

·         Protein-nucleic acid interactions and drug-nucleic acid interactions

·         Spectroscopy; development and application of spectroscopic methodology, especially nuclear magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy [including Raman, fluorescence, circular dichroism, picosecond, and laser spectroscopy]

·         Protein folding and nucleic acid conformations, both theoretical and experimental

·         Theoretical and computational chemistry. Quantum and statistical mechanisms, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, and other theoretical and molecular modeling approaches. The research may include some developments in computer applications to macromolecules but excludes modeling of physiological and immunological processes.

·         Thermodynamics, especially of biological macromolecules

·         Kinetics of macromolecular systems, including rapid methods such as relaxation methods [temperature and pressure-jump] and stopped-flow

·         Photophysics and photochemistry, excluding organic photochemistry and phototherapy

BBCA has the following shared Interests within the BPC IRG:

·         With BBCB in the physical chemistry, X-ray crystallography, optical, and NMR spectroscopy of proteins. BBCB is more appropriate for macromolecular assemblies like membranes and muscle. Solution-state NMR is generally best reviewed in BBCA, solid state NMR and in vivo NMR spectroscopy in BBCB.

·         BMT reviews applications where the emphasis is on metals or other inorganic compounds, either as separate entities, in proteins, or in nucleic acids.

·         PB reviews applications studying electron transfer reactions in cytochrome P450 systems and electron transport in mitochondrial membranes.

BBCA has the following shared Interests within the BPC IRG:

·         With the BIO Study Section in the structure and function of enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acid structures. BIO reviews applications involving enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, as well as the sequencing of nucleic acids and proteins.

·         If the major emphasis is on the development of methods for separating and identifying DNA fragments for physical/genetic mapping, the assignment should be to GNM.

[Back to Top]

Biophysical Chemistry Study Section [BBCB]

[BBCB Roster]

The Biophysical Chemistry [BBCB] Study Section reviews applications in which the major emphasis is on the physical chemistry and structure of proteins, lipids, and other biopolymers, including studies of the biological, chemical, and include X-ray crystallography, NMR, EPR, and spectroscopy. BBCB also reviews proposals for the development of biophysical instrumentation. A particular forte of BBCB is the area of macromolecular assemblies, including model membranes and muscle.

Specific areas covered by BBCB:

·         Physical chemistry of biological macromolecules; experimental and theoretical studies of the biophysical chemistry of proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides; molecular structure of contractile proteins; macromolecular assembly, including virus structure; single molecule studies

·         Structure and physical chemistry of membranes, including lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, and protein-lipid interaction

·         Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including in vivo spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic [spin] resonance, fluorescence, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy

·         X-ray, electron and neutron diffraction crystallography of proteins, lipids, viruses, and other biopolymers; atomic force microscopy

·         Physical chemical instrumentation; modification of existing apparatus and development of new approaches; applications of computers to biophysical instruments and data processing.

BBCB has the following shared Interests within the BPC IRG:

·         With BBCA in the physical chemistry of proteins. NMR [except in vivo] and crystallography may be reviewed in either study section depending on the system being examined. Studies involving structure analysis of viruses and other multi-subunit assemblies should be assigned to BBCB. If otherwise equivalent, applications on solution state NMR are best reviewed in BBCA, solid state NMR in BBCB.

·         With PB in the areas of NMR or electron spin resonance studies of enzyme action, as well as interactions of membrane proteins and lipids

BBCB has the following shared interests outside the BPC IRG:

·         Applications dealing with physical properties of muscle, lipoproteins, lipids, and polysaccharides should be assigned to BBCB; those dealing with cellular and more physiological aspects should be assigned to the CDF IRG.

·         With the PBC Study Section and the NMS IRG regarding the structural analysis of glycoproteins, lipoproteins

·         With the PC Study Section regarding the structure and function of enzymes and polysaccharides

·         Overlap with the RNM Study Section exists in magnetic resonance spectroscopy [MRS]. RNM is appropriate where the purpose of MRS is the in vivo diagnosis of malignancy or abnormal metabolism of tissue. BBCB is appropriate when the purpose of the research is to elucidate biochemistry or membrane function in tissue samples.

[Back to Top]

Metallobiochemistry Study Section [BMT]

[BMT Roster]

The Metallobiochemistry [BMT] Study Section reviews applications in bioinorganic and metallobiochemistry, including: metalloproteins, metalloenzyme, synthetic inorganic, and coordination chemistry; maintenance of metal ion homeostasis including receptor proteins involved in metal transport, trafficking and regulation; mechanistic, thermodynamic, and genetic characterization of metallobiopolymer structure and function; fundamental studies of the mechanisms of electron transfer; and multidisciplinary research involving mutagenesis, EPR, NMR, XAFS, and crystallography

Specific areas covered by BMT:

·         Bioinorganic chemistry; synthesis and properties of coordination compounds, metalloporphyrins, and synthetic oxygen carriers; thermodynamic, kinetic and structural characterization of metal-ligand interactions; inorganic chemotherapeutic and imaging agents, paramagnetic and fluorescent probes for magnetic resonance imaging and cell biology

·         Function, mechanism, and structure of metal-containing natural products. Metalloproteins and metalloenzymes such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, ferredoxin, photosystem II, and the cytochromes; metallocofactors; functional, mechanistic, and structural studies to give information on the metal binding sites, including analysis, development of selective inhibitors and mechanisms of electron transfer

·         Metal ion and metalloprotein interactions with nucleic acids. Characterization of structure and reactivity of metals with DNA, RNA, and ribozymes

·         Metal receptor proteins in metal trafficking, uptake, efflux, gene regulation, metal ion homeostasis and detoxification. Physical characterization of metal-receptor interactions, insertion of metals into proteins, and metallocofactor assembly

·         Organometallic chemistry; compounds with organic groups that are bonded to non-metal atoms other than the halogens, oxygen, sulfur, selenium, nitrogen, or phosphorus, and in which the major interest is in the properties associated with the non-metal constituent rather than the organic group

BMT has the following shared Interests within the BPC IRG:

·         With BBCA /BBCB regarding: structural studies utilizing fluorescence, phosphorescence optical rotation [ORD-CD], NMR, and ESR; metalloproteins where multi-subunit proteins are involved e.g., hemoglobin; theoretical studies of metalloproteins

·         With PB regarding the mechanism and function of cytochromes

·         With BNP with respect to the interactions of metal-containing natural products with nucleic acids

BMT has the following shared interests outside the BPC IRG:

·         With the RNM Study Section in the development of radiolabeled compounds involving metal complexes. If the emphasis is on metal chemistry, BMT is appropriate; if human imaging studies are involved, RNM is more appropriate.

[Back to Top]

Bio-organic and Natural Products Chemistry Study Section [BNP]

[BNP Roster]

The Bio-organic and Natural Products [BNP] Study Section reviews applications in the areas of bio-organic chemistry and natural products chemistry. The primary emphasis of the latter is on isolation and structure determination of natural products that are of medicinal importance. Synthetic and modeling studies are covered when they are part of the scope, as well as routine biochemical, biological, pharmacological, or chemotherapeutic evaluations. The focus is on understanding the chemistry of drug discovery and biological processes. BNP reviews peptide chemistry, enzyme mechanism and inhibitor studies, synthesis of nucleotides and nucleosides, carbohydrate chemistry, molecular recognition experiments, medicinal chemistry, and the isolation and biosynthesis of natural products.

Specific areas covered by BNP:

·         Biosynthetic, mimetic or chemical evolutionary studies of natural products; design and synthesis of enzyme substrates and inhibitors, evaluation in biological test systems, and enzyme mechanism studies; design and synthesis of receptor agonists and antagonists with biological assays; synthetic studies on nucleosides, nucleotides, and peptides

·         Isolation, separation, structure determination, and chemical synthesis of complex natural products from terrestrial or marine origin

·         Drug design involving organic synthesis but with measures of biochemical, biological, pharmacological, chemotherapeutic screening, structure-activity relationships, and molecular modeling

BNP has the following shared Interests within the BPC IRG:

·         MCHA should be considered when the primary focus is total synthesis or synthetic methodology or traditional host guest chemistry. BNP reviews more biologically related molecular recognition research, such as peptide mimetics, catalytic antibodies, ribozymes, enzyme engineering, artificial DNA polymers [e.g. peptide nucleic acid oligomers].

·         PB should be considered when the synthetic aspect of enzyme studies is routine, and the emphasis is on the biophysical aspects of enzyme action.

BNP has the following shared interests outside the BPC IRG:

·         With the AARR IRG in the design of antiviral compounds. AARR is appropriate when the biologic testing emphasis is on HIV or on AIDS- related cancers and infections

·         CPA should be considered when detailed protocols for the biological evaluation of compounds for carcinogen studies are proposed.

·         Some enzyme and biosynthetic studies are relevant for the BIO Study Section when they do not involve a synthetic component and contain more molecular biology techniques.

·         MDCN-5 should be considered for chemical studies that have a strong neuropharmacological component and/or deal with drug abuse substances such as cocaine or marijuana.

[Back to Top]

Medicinal Chemistry Study Section [MCHA]

[MCHA Roster]

The Medicinal Chemistry [MCHA] Study Section reviews applications primarily concerned with the synthesis, reactions, and biochemical, biological, pharmacological or chemotherapeutic activity of low molecular weight compounds of natural or synthetic origin. These include drugs, hormones, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, steroids, alkaloids, and terpenes.

Specific areas covered by MCHA:

·         Synthetic organic, medicinal, physical organic and organometallic chemistry, followed by biochemical, biological, pharmacological, or chemotherapeutic screening and evaluation of natural products and synthetic organic compounds; structure-activity relationships; design of drugs; reactions and biochemical, biological, pharmacological or chemotherapeutic activity of low molecular weight compounds of natural or synthetic origin; and host-guest chemistry

·         Structure determination by synthesis or degradation; non-theoretical and non-instrumental conformational and stereochemical studies

·         Chemical synthesis of natural products and other organic compounds of therapeutic, pharmacological, biological, or biochemical interest, including biopolymers and their components such as polysaccharides

·         In vitro transformation, reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and photochemistry of a non-theoretical and non-instrumental nature

·         Molecular recognition; host-guest chemistry, self assembly chemistry

MCHA has the following shared Interests within the BPC IRG:

·         Applications involving non-routine synthesis but with substantial measures of In vivo pharmacological evaluations for effects and mechanisms of action are more appropriate for BNP. In the molecular recognition/host guest/self assembly areas, those applications with a strong biological component are more suitable for BNP. Applications that involve routine synthesis, but include substantial measures of in vivo or in vitro pharmacological evaluation for effects and mechanisms of action, are more appropriate for another study section.

Back to Top]

Physical Biochemistry Study Section [PB]

[PB Roster]

The Physical Biochemistry [PB] Study Section reviews applications relating to research in biochemistry with an orientation towards physical biochemistry. This includes chemical reactions in biological systems, including biochemical energetics, enzymology, and the structure-function relationships of biomolecules.

Specific areas covered by PB:

·         Electron transport; bioenergetics; oxidative phosphorylation; energy transfer; the interaction of the enzymes involved in energy transfer with the mitochondrial membrane; the mechanism and control of cytochrome P-450 catalyzed reactions; enzymes involved in biological oxidation- reduction reactions

·         Enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; development of inhibitors of enzyme action; flavoproteins, enzyme immobilization; interaction of bio-organic compounds with enzymes; kinetics of enzyme inactivation; use of methods such as site directed mutagenesis, NMR, X-Ray Crystallography, EPR, fluorescence, and CD to study the mechanism of action

·         Use of synthetic vesicles and reconstitution to study transport in bacterial and mammalian systems, membranes, and the interaction of phospholipids and proteins in membranes

PB has the following shared Interests within the BPC IRG:

·         BBCA reviews electron studies of electron transport in photosynthesis and calorimetry studies of enzyme mechanism.

·         BBCB reviews applications involving model membranes.

·         BMT reviews studies of the interactions of metals with porphyrins and proteins and the insertion of metals into proteins and cofactors.

PB has the following shared interests outside the BPC IRG:

·         Enzyme kinetics and enzyme studies that are closely related to biological systems are reviewed by the BIO Study Section.

·         CPA reviews studies of P-450 reactions that are directly related to carcinogenesis.

·         MBC-1 reviews studies of bacterial transport; PB reviews those applications concerned with energetics.

[Back to Top]

Bioanalytical Engineering & Chemistry Special Emphasis Panel [BECM SEP]

The Bioanalytical Engineering & Chemistry Continuing Special Emphasis Panel [BECM SEP] primarily reviews R01 applications in the following areas: analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, micro and nanofabrication, biophysical and analytical technology, methods and instrument and device development for detection, identification and quantification of compounds of biomedical interest. These include mass spectrometry, proteomics, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, microfabicated devices, optical spectroscopy, electrochemical methods, sensor development (optical, electrochemical, biosensor, immunosensor), surface modification, protein microarrays, and single cell analyses

SHARED COVERAGE / INTERESTS:

BECM has the following shared interests outside the BPC IRG:

·         With GNM, regarding analytical technology development, microarrays, microfabrications, microfluidics, separations and mass spectrometry and in the area of global, genomic approaches to protein function. Applications that apply these technologies to DNA and nucleotides, and applications involving functional genomics should be assigned to GNM. Applications that apply these technologies to proteins and peptides, and applications involving proteomics should be referred to BECM.

[Back to Top]

Small Business Activities [SBIR / STTR] of the BPC IRG

SBIR/STTR Scientific Review Administrators

The BPC IRG reviews SBIR / STTR applications within the areas covered by its chartered study sections. This includes: analytical biochemistry; inorganic chemistry; biochemistry; theoretical, combinatorial, and computational chemistry; metallobiochemistry; biophysics; clinical assays [except immunoassays]; analytical and clinical colorimetry, spectrophotometry and bioimaging, [except MRI], mass spectrometry, and chromatography [gas, liquid, HPLC, and thin layer]; chemical sensors; clinical chemistry; in vitro and in vivo reagents. It also covers medicinal chemistry--synthetic, combinatorial, and natural product chemistry; pharmaceutical chemistry--prodrugs, diagnostics, formulations, controlled release, polymers, microcapsules, liposomes, and transdermals; pharmacology/toxicology as applied to drug discovery; agents for bioremediation; drug manufacturing and delivery equipment. Finally, small business proposals on molecular and structural biology, protein and nucleic acid structures and interactions are reviewed within the BPC IRG.

SHARED COVERAGE/INTERESTS

BPC has the following shared Small Business interests outside the BPC IRG:

·         With the CDF IRG regarding the application and/or development of microscopic instrumentation, methodologies, or modeling for determining structure/function relationships for biological macromolecules

[Back to Top]