溯经典之源，探交叉之本。每周五，与我们共赴物理生物学经典读书会（Physical Biology Journal Club），回到伟大思想诞生的现场！
读书会简介：物理生物学读书会由西湖大学交叉科学中心（CIS）师生共同发起，每周五在轻松自由的氛围中，深入研读物理生物学领域的经典文献，通过追本溯源，激发思想碰撞，促进跨学科交流与合作。
发起人：钱紘，徐小婵
主讲人：以博士后和博士生为核心，全员开放！我们热忱欢迎每一位希望分享的主讲人。
参与成员：欢迎全校所有对物理生物学等交叉领域有浓厚兴趣的师生加入。
时间：每周五 11:00-13:00（午间时段，提供工作餐）
地点：西湖大学理学楼，E5-120会议室
形式：读书会每周聚焦物理生物学领域的一篇经典论文或书籍章节，通过主讲人领读与集体讨论，理解相关领域的核心概念、理论与模型，系统梳理该领域的基础知识、核心问题与研究范式。
Overview: The Physical Biology Journal Club is a weekly Friday lunchtime event hosted by the faculty and students of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS). Our goal is to help everyone learn about how key concepts and groundbreaking discoveries have shaped and inspired the entire research fields. Through lively, in-depth discussion of classic physical biology papers and books, we explore the history, foundational principles, research methodologies, and the remarkable stories of the scientists behind them. Join us to connect with the roots of physical biology and spark ideas in a welcoming environment.
Organizers: Hong Qian, Xiaochan Xu
Speaker: Led by postdocs & PhDs, and everyone can be a host!
Audience: All with a strong interest in physical biology are warmly welcomed.
Time: Every Friday, 11:00-13:00 (Lunch provided)
Venue: E5-120, School of Science, Westlake University
Upcoming Session
8. January 30, 2026
Topic: Mechanisms of Force Generation by the Bacterial Z-Ring
Speaker: Xinwen Fan (范新文)
Reference: Erickson HP. Modeling the physics of FtsZ assembly and force generation. PNAS (2009) 106:9238–9243.
Key Words: Z-ring, bacterial cytokinesis, protofilament bending, biophysical models
Abstract: FtsZ is the central cytoskeletal protein in bacterial cell division, yet the physical origin of Z-ring constriction remains unclear. This paper examines competing biophysical models for FtsZ-mediated force generation, contrasting protofilament bending mechanisms with models based on lateral interactions. It argues that protofilament bending provides the most plausible explanation for force generation, while highlighting unresolved issues in FtsZ assembly and mechanics.
Past Sessions
1. November 28, 2025
Topic: Modeling DNA-Protein interactions (Part I)
2. December 5, 2025
Topic: Modeling DNA-Protein interactions (Part II)
Speaker: Yuhao Chen（陈俞皓）
Reference: McGhee J. D. von Hippel, P. H. Theoretical Aspects of DNA-Protein Interactions: Co-operative and Non-co-operative Binding of Large Ligands to a One-dimensional Homogeneous Lattice (1974). J. Mol. Biol
Key Words: Ligand-lattice interaction, Protein-DNA interaction
Abstract: The McGhee–von Hippel lattice binding model is a foundational framework for understanding the equilibrium binding of large ligands on DNA and other one-dimensional lattices. It formulates binding in terms of equilibrium state probabilities — describing the steady-state distribution of free and occupied residues — and connects these microscopic configurations to macroscopic observables through an intrinsic constant K.
3. December 12, 2025
Topic: Mathematical Models of Bacterial Mutant Distribution (Part I)
4. December 26, 2025
Topic: Mathematical Models of Bacterial Mutant Distribution (Part II)
Speaker: Zhenye Huang (黄振业)
Reference: Zheng, Q. Progress of a half century in the study of the Luria-Delbruck distribution. (1999) Mathematical Biosciences
Key Words: Luria–Delbruck model, Estimation of mutation rate, Poisson-stopped-sum distribution, Filtered Poisson process
Abstract: The Luria-Delbrück model is a cornerstone of population genetics, having originally established that mutations arise spontaneously rather than through adaptation. This article systematically synthesizes fifty years of mathematical evolution regarding this model. By clarifying the four major formulations (Luria-Delbrück, Discretized, Lea-Coulson, and Bartlett) and their computational algorithms, this review provides essential insights for estimating mutation rates and deepens our understanding of stochastic processes in genetic research.
5. January 9, 2026
Topic: Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection (Part I)
6. January 16, 2026
Topic: Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection (Part II)
Speaker: Ding Wang (王顶)
Reference: Fisher, R. A. (1930) Genetic Theory of Natural Selection. Chapter 2.
Key Words: Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection, Modern Synthesis, Genetic Variance, Mendelian Inheritance, Fitness, Adaptation
Abstract: R.A. Fisher sought to give biology its own "Second Law of Thermodynamics". His Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection quantifies evolution by proving that the rate of increase in a population's fitness is equal to its additive genetic variance. Fisher frames variance as the "fuel" for adaptation, countered by environmental deterioration which forces species to evolve just to survive. Through his Geometric Model, he demonstrates why evolution proceeds by small, incremental steps rather than large jumps. This chapter transformed natural selection from a descriptive story into a predictive, physical science, forming the basis for modern quantitative genetics.
7. January 23, 2026
Topic: Mechanobiology at the level of single molecules
Speaker: Hong Qian (钱纮)
Reference:
[1] Vincent T. Moy, Ernst-Ludwig Florin, Hermann E. Gaub. Intermolecular Forces and Energies Between Ligands and Receptors. (1994) Science.
[2] Hong Qian. Cycle kinetics, steady state thermodynamics and motors—a paradigm for living matter physics. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 17 (2005) S3783–S3794
[3] Βruce Shapiro，Hong Qian. Graphical Method for Force Analysis: Macromolecular Mechanics With Atomic Force Microscopy. Protein: Structure, Function, Genetics. 37 (1999) 576-581
Key Words: Mechanobiology, Single-Molecule Mechanics, Non-Equilibrium Steady State, Energy Dissipation, Cycle Kinetics
Abstract: How do the microscopic mechanical properties of individual molecules scale up to define the thermodynamic rules of living matter? We try to bridge the gap between single-molecule mechanics and the statistical physics of living matter by synthesizing two foundational papers. We first review Moy et al. (1994), who used AFM to quantify the rupture forces of biotin-avidin complexes, revealing how molecular bonds respond to mechanical loads. We then connect these discrete interactions to Hong Qian’s (2005) framework for living matter. Qian posits that life is defined by cyclic kinetics and energy dissipation, maintaining Non-Equilibrium Steady States (NESS) through chemical driving forces. By connecting the discrete mechanical events of Moy et al. with the cyclic thermodynamic insights of Qian, this talk illustrates how force, chemistry, and dissipation converge to create the unique physics of living matter. This synthesis provides a comprehensive view of how microscopic interactions power the macroscopic functions of life.
Contact Information
Ms. Jin Liang (梁金), liangjin@westlake.edu.cn, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS)
