Frontiers in Bio-Metals: Probing Metal Ions in Biology with X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Royal University Hospital, Mall Lecture Theatre University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada May 11, 2005

A workshop showcasing X-ray absorption spectroscopy applications to study metals in biology, from isolated proteins to intact tissues and organs. How can you use this technique to enhance your research? Come and learn how this synchrotron technique is shedding new light on metals in biology, from biochemistry to biomedicine. No previous knowledge of the technique assumed – introductory presentations will be included. [More information]

This workshop is in support of a proposed new beamline facility for X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy at the Canadian Light Source, tailored for biochemical and biomedical studies.

Invited Speakers:

Ninian J. Blackburn (Oregon Graduate Institute)
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy as a Probe of Active Site Structure in Copper Enzymes and Copper Chaperones [Abstract]

Graham N. George (University of Saskatchewan)
Introduction to Studies of Metals in Intact Tissues using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy [Abstract]

Britt Hedman (Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory)
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules in Single Crystals [Abstract]

Peter A. Lay (University of Sydney)
Biomedical Applications of X-ray Microscopy and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy [Abstract]

James E. Penner-Hahn (University of Michigan)
Characterization of "Spectroscopically Challenged" Metals: Zinc in Biological Systems [Abstract]

Ingrid J. Pickering (University of Saskatchewan)
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Imaging of Biological Systems: Localization of Chemical Species in vivo [Abstract]

Robert A. Scott (University of Georgia)
High-throughput X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for Metalloproteomics [Abstract]

Organizing Committee: Ingrid Pickering, Graham George, Helen Nichol (University of Saskatchewan), Farideh Jalilehvand (University of Calgary), Martin Stillman (University of Western Ontario) and Emil Hallin (Canadian Light Source).

Feasibility Questions: We invite participants to submit a scientific question drawn from their own research for a feasibility study. A panel of experts will assess selected submissions to indicate how the proposed beamline facility could be used to answer the question. These feasibility questions will be presented during the workshop, and will also be incorporated into the beamline proposal. [More information]

Participant Posters: There will not be a formal poster session during the workshop. However, posters of the proposed beamline facility and relevant studies will be on display during the session breaks. We invite all participants to contribute a relevant poster if they desire.

Register or Express Interest: For registration information, please go to our workshop registration page. If you are interested in this workshop and proposed beamline facility but cannot attend, we would still like to hear from you. Please fill in our on-line statement of interest form.

Contact: For program information, please contact Ingrid Pickering

Support for this workshop is provided by the Canadian Light Source and by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.