These different electronic charge patterns mean these proteins will perform very different tasks in different tissues, a fact previously not recognized because their nearly identical shapes fostered the belief that they would be performing the same tasks in every tissue. In addition, LiCata and Bernlohr discovered that the proteins expand slightly when they sequester their lipid partners. Because the expansion is usually less than 3 percent, it was not previously detected, but to a cell, a 3 percent change in size would make an enormous difference, LiCata said. The researchers findings suggest solutions to a number of more subtle questions that surround these proteins, and LiCata said he plans to extend his calculations to finer levels of detail and perform direct experimental manipulations on the different lipid-binding proteins based on the findings from his calculations. Intellectual Gumbo, a symposium offering graduate students in all areas an opportunity to present their work to the public, will be held March 24-25 in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the LSU Union.
Gumbo is a mixture of various things.
The idea for Intellectual Gumbo came about because it's just a mix of various interests. The symposium will include presentations from all fields, issue discussions in areas that concern graduate students, and teaching workshops for graduate teaching assistants. The workshops will be presented by the Center for Faculty Development. We had about 25 presenters and 200 people attend last year's Gumbo. This year, Munsell and GSA are expanding the format.