Conveners
Neutron and complementary methods in biology
- Esko Oksanen (European Spallation Source ESS ERIC)
Neutron and complementary methods in biology
- Henrich Frielinghaus (JCNS)
The NDF at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) provides deuteration through both biological and chemical techniques for a diversity of molecules and applications. Molecular deuteration of organic compounds and biomolecules significantly increases options in complex structure function investigations by providing contrast and improved data resolution when using...
Most eukaryotic proteins are comprised of multiple structural domains connected by linkers of variable length and rigidity. We combine solution NMR spectroscopy and small angle scattering (SAXS, SANS) with crystallography and cryo-EM in integrative structural biology approaches to study the conformational dynamics of multidomain proteins and the roles of the connecting linkers. Studies with...
The SANS method is often used to study various types of biological systems. However, in the common case, SANS gives only a limited view on the structure of biomacromolecular complexes in solution. In this case, SANS can be used in conjunction with other methods, such as molecular modelling and molecular dynamics. Molecular modelling methods are also commonly used to study biomacromolecular...
Neutron techniques, incl. small angle neutron scattering (SANS), reflectometry (NR), protein crystallography (NPX), benefit from the usage of deuterated molecules. Many neutron facilities provide deuteration support to users to facilitate better measurements and enable research not possible without deuterated materials. NPX requires large protein crystals of partially or fully...
The second target station (STS) is a >$1Billion, Department of Energy project to be constructed at Oak Ridge National Laboratories Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). The STS will provide entirely new capabilities for studying a broad range of materials with neutron scattering and support a wide variety of users. The science capabilities provided by the instrument suite at the STS will...
Epithelial branch elongation is a central developmental process during branching morphogenesis in diverse organs. This fundamental growth process of large arborized epithelial networks is accompanied with huge structural reorganizations of the surrounding Extracellular Matrix (ECM), which is well beyond its mechanical linear response regime. Here, we report that epithelial ductal elongation...
The investigation of fiber distribution and myelin orientation in the brain has received increasing attention in recent years, as the 3D fiber structure reveals the connectivity of the axonal network (connectome) that is necessary to understand dysfunctions of the brain [1]. Hence, we adapt scanning small angle neutron/x-ray scattering (sSANS/sSAXS) to map an entire brain section of a mouse...
The major iron uptake mechanism in bacteria is mediated by ABC transporters of the FutA type. We study iron uptake and homeostasis in highly adapted marine cyano-bacteria that are of high geochemical significance for global net carbon fixation. We study FutA substrate binding domains that bind iron in the Fe(III) oxidation state. FutA proteins also have an intracellular function in protection...
