X-ray Crystallography
In recent years, electron microscope (EM) holds enormous potential for dealing with the rapidly increasing number of virions due to their near-atomic resolution. However, X-ray crystallography is still the dominant technique in structural virology and can be used for high-resolution measurements of large systems. Creative Proteomics is an international contract research organization (CRO) providing viral proteomic, metabolomic and other analysis services to researchers in biochemistry, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical fields. Based on our well-established technology platforms and experienced scientists, we are able to provide X-ray crystallization services that accelerate the success of our customers' meaningful research projects.
Overview of X-ray crystallography
X-ray crystallography is a tool used to measure the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal. The technology is based on the principle that the crystalline atoms diffract X-rays into many specific directions. By determining the angles and intensities of these diffracted beams, a 3D electron density image within the crystal can be produced, and then a series of information can be identified, such as the mean positions of the atoms in the crystal and the chemical bonds. The method can be used to reveal the structure and function of proteins, vitamins, drugs, nucleic acids, and other biological molecules.
Principle of X-ray crystallography. (Mayer, C., 2017)
To date, X-ray crystallization has become the most important tool for protein structure determination, which makes a deep understanding of protein function. In the experiment of X-ray crystallography, the crystallization process of protein is a key step. Once the protein is crystallized, the X-ray diffraction pattern containing amplitudes and positions in the crystal is recorded. Thanks to the advances in image reconstruction technology, X-ray crystallography is amenable to the structural analysis of viral particles. There are many available viral protein structures, and a very high percentage of them (more than 90 %) have been determined by protein X-ray crystallography. Importantly, X-ray crystallization is not limited by the molecular weight of the sample. Based on the well-developed algorithm for protein structural analysis and high confident reconstructed model, the technology will improve researchers' understanding of protein function and further facilitate the development of antiviral drugs.
Service offering
Based on a professional team of scientists and years of experience in crystallography services, we are committed to providing custom X-ray crystallography services for virus research. Our service can help customers to investigate the individual protein crystal structure as well as protein-protein complexes. In general, our specific services include virus production and purification, protein expression and optimization, protein crystallization, high-resolution crystal structure determination, diffraction data collection and processing, and model building and refinement.
Workflow of our X-ray crystallography services
We promise to provide,
- Best customized services
- Professional technical support
- Comprehensive analysis reports
- Fast and traceable testing for the project needs
Specific contributions of X-ray crystallography for understanding particular aspects of stages in the virus life cycle are extremely numerous. Our extensive experience in viral structure research, an excellent team of experts, and advanced technology platforms make us an ideal partner for worldwide customers. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us or directly send us an inquiry.
Reference
- Mayer, C. (2017). "X-Ray Diffraction in Biology: How Can We See DNA and Proteins in Three Dimensions?." In X-ray Scattering. IntechOpen.
* For research use only.
