MODELS

MOLECULAR IMAGE

Molecular processes such as gene transcription, DNA replication and repair, mRNA translation, and the transduction of extracellular signals are central to the functioning of all living cells. Information on the structure and function of the molecules involved in these processes is accumulating rapidly, and its better understanding requires the integration of all relevant information in detailed, realistic models. Since these molecular processes are multidimensional, involving both molecular complexes in motion and macromolecules that are subject to conformational changes, representative integrative models must incorporate molecular movement in 3-D space (x, y, z coordinates) and time (t coordinate). Computer-assisted 4-D molecular modelling (or 3-D animation) is an avant-garde tool whose development is progressing rapidly in our laboratory, and will likely transform our vision of molecular biology. The digital lab MOLECULAR IMAGE seeks to develop new tools for molecular modeling and imaging.