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The Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP) program supports the investigation of problems at the Chemistry-Biology interface in which the primary approach or tools employed are those of chemistry. The fundamental examination of mechanisms, dynamics, recognition and structure/function relationships at the molecular level is at the core of the CLP program.

Projects that integrate experimental and theoretical chemical approaches into studies of biomolecules or biomolecular processes in the domain of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids will be considered. The use of small molecules such as ligands, inhibitors, signal transducers or molecular beacons to interrogate biological systems is a characteristic mode of inquiry for CLP investigators. The program also welcomes the application of computational and spectroscopic methods to examine Nature's macromolecular machinery and processes.

Appropriate areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to, peptide design, protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions, post-translational modification alternative base pairs, epigenetics, signal and energy transduction pathways, and molecular definition of emerging "codes" such as those associated with glycomics and histones. Mechanisms of enzyme and metalloenzyme activity, ribozyme and/or riboswitch function and of DNA damage and covalent modification are also central themes in the program.

Proposals that predominantly utilize biological tools or techniques may be more appropriate for the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB). Proposals that address biomedical problems may be more appropriate for the National Institutes of Health or other health-directed funding agencies.

Full Proposal Window: July 1, 2011 - July 31, 2011

website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503417&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund