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Okumura H, Sakai N, Murakami H, Mizuno N, Nakamura Y, Ueno G, Masunaga T, Kawamura T, Baba S, Hasegawa K, Yamamoto M, Kumasaka T. In situ crystal data-collection and ligand-screening system at SPring-8. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2022; 78:241-251. [PMID: 35647681 PMCID: PMC9158660 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x22005283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An in situ X-ray diffraction measurement system using a crystallization plate has been constructed at the SPring-8 protein crystallography beamline. Utilizing small-wedge measurements and incorporating a liquid dispenser to prepare protein–ligand complex crystals, this system will make ligand screening possible. In situ diffraction data collection using crystallization plates has been utilized for macromolecules to evaluate crystal quality without requiring additional sample treatment such as cryocooling. Although it is difficult to collect complete data sets using this technique due to the mechanical limitation of crystal rotation, recent advances in methods for data collection from multiple crystals have overcome this issue. At SPring-8, an in situ diffraction measurement system was constructed consisting of a goniometer for a plate, an articulated robot and plate storage. Using this system, complete data sets were obtained utilizing the small-wedge measurement method. Combining this system with an acoustic liquid handler to prepare protein–ligand complex crystals by applying fragment compounds to trypsin crystals for in situ soaking, binding was confirmed for seven out of eight compounds. These results show that the system functioned properly to collect complete data for structural analysis and to expand the capability for ligand screening in combination with a liquid dispenser.
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2
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Membrane protein crystallography in the era of modern structural biology. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:2505-2524. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20200066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of structural biology has been always the study of biological macromolecules structures and their mechanistic behaviour at molecular level. To achieve its goal, multiple biophysical methods and approaches have become part of the structural biology toolbox. Considered as one of the pillars of structural biology, X-ray crystallography has been the most successful method for solving three-dimensional protein structures at atomic level to date. It is however limited by the success in obtaining well-ordered protein crystals that diffract at high resolution. This is especially true for challenging targets such as membrane proteins (MPs). Understanding structure-function relationships of MPs at the biochemical level is vital for medicine and drug discovery as they play critical roles in many cellular processes. Though difficult, structure determination of MPs by X-ray crystallography has significantly improved in the last two decades, mainly due to many relevant technological and methodological developments. Today, numerous MP crystal structures have been solved, revealing many of their mechanisms of action. Yet the field of structural biology has also been through significant technological breakthroughs in recent years, particularly in the fields of single particle electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs). Here we summarise the most important advancements in the field of MP crystallography and the significance of these developments in the present era of modern structural biology.
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Fontecilla-Camps JC, Bricogne G. Jean-Luc Ferrer (1964–2020): structural biologist, beamline instrumentation innovator and entrepreneur. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320007081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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4
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Martiel I, Buntschu D, Meier N, Gobbo A, Panepucci E, Schneider R, Heimgartner P, Müller D, Bühlmann K, Birri M, Kaminski JW, Leuenberger J, Oliéric V, Glettig W, Wang M. The TELL automatic sample changer for macromolecular crystallography. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2020; 27:860-863. [PMID: 32381791 PMCID: PMC7285676 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577520002416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, the design and functionalities of the high-throughput TELL sample exchange system for macromolecular crystallography is presented. TELL was developed at the Paul Scherrer Institute with a focus on speed, storage capacity and reliability to serve the three macromolecular crystallography beamlines of the Swiss Light Source, as well as the SwissMX instrument at SwissFEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Martiel
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Buntschu
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Meier
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Gobbo
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Ezequiel Panepucci
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Roman Schneider
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Heimgartner
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - David Müller
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Bühlmann
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Mario Birri
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Jakub W. Kaminski
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - James Leuenberger
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Oliéric
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Wayne Glettig
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Meitian Wang
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
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Murakami H, Hasegawa K, Ueno G, Yagi N, Yamamoto M, Kumasaka T. Development of SPACE-II for rapid sample exchange at SPring-8 macromolecular crystallography beamlines. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 76:155-165. [PMID: 32038046 PMCID: PMC7008514 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A rapid and reliable sample changer, SPACE-II, has been developed at the SPring-8 macromolecular crystallography beamline BL41XU. It enables samples to be exchanged in 16 s, of which its action accounts for only 11 s. Two years of operating SPACE-II demonstrated that the average number of sample exchanges per day was increased by 40% compared with the previous model, and it had an error rate of only 0.089%. Reducing the sample-exchange time is a crucial issue in maximizing the throughput of macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines because the diffraction data collection itself is completed within a minute in the era of pixel-array detectors. To this end, an upgraded sample changer, SPACE-II, has been developed on the basis of the previous model, SPACE (SPring-8 Precise Automatic Cryo-sample Exchanger), at the BL41XU beamline at SPring-8. SPACE-II achieves one sample-exchange step within 16 s, of which its action accounts for only 11 s, because of three features: (i) the implementation of twin arms that enable samples to be exchanged in one cycle of mount-arm action, (ii) the implementation of long-stroke mount arms that allow samples to be exchanged without withdrawal of the detector and (iii) the use of a fast-moving translation and rotation stage for the mount arms. By pre-holding the next sample prior to the sample-exchange sequence, the time was further decreased to 11 s in the case of automatic data collection, of which the action of SPACE-II accounted for 8 s. Moreover, the sample capacity was expanded from four to eight Uni-Pucks. The performance of SPACE-II has been demonstrated in over two years of operation at BL41XU; the average number of samples mounted on the diffractometer in one day was increased from 132 to 185, with an error rate of 0.089%, which counted incidents in which users could not continue with an experiment without recovery work by entering the experimental hutch. On the basis of these results, SPACE-II has been installed at three other MX beamlines at SPring-8 as of July 2019. The fast and highly reliable SPACE-II is now one of the most important pieces of infrastructure for the MX beamlines at SPring-8, providing users with the opportunity to fully make use of limited beamtime with brilliant X-rays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Murakami
- Protein Crystal Analysis Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Kazuya Hasegawa
- Protein Crystal Analysis Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Go Ueno
- Advanced Photon Technology Division, RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Naoto Yagi
- Protein Crystal Analysis Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Masaki Yamamoto
- Advanced Photon Technology Division, RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumasaka
- Protein Crystal Analysis Division, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
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6
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Ren Z, Ayhan M, Bandara S, Bowatte K, Kumarapperuma I, Gunawardana S, Shin H, Wang C, Zeng X, Yang X. Crystal-on-crystal chips for in situ serial diffraction at room temperature. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2246-2256. [PMID: 29952383 PMCID: PMC6057835 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00489g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in serial crystallography at X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) and synchrotrons have been driven by two scientific goals in structural biology - first, static structure determination from nano or microcrystals of membrane proteins and large complexes that are difficult for conventional cryocrystallography, and second, direct observations of transient structural species in biochemical reactions at near atomic resolution. Since room-temperature diffraction experiments naturally demand a large quantity of purified protein, sample economy is critically important for all steps of serial crystallography from crystallization, crystal delivery to data collection. Here we report the development and applications of "crystal-on-crystal" devices to facilitate large-scale in situ serial diffraction experiments on protein crystals of all sizes - large, small, or microscopic. We show that the monocrystalline quartz as a substrate material prevents vapor loss during crystallization and significantly reduces background X-ray scattering. These devices can be readily adopted at XFEL and synchrotron beamlines, which enable efficient delivery of hundreds to millions of crystals to the X-ray beam, with an overall protein consumption per dataset comparable to that of cryocrystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Ren
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Renz Research, Inc., Westmont, IL 60559, USA
- Corresponding authors: and
| | - Medine Ayhan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sepalika Bandara
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Kalinga Bowatte
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Indika Kumarapperuma
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Semini Gunawardana
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Heewhan Shin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Corresponding authors: and
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7
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Sallaz-Damaz Y, Ferrer JL. WIFIP: a web-based user interface for automated synchrotron beamlines. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2017; 24:1105-1111. [PMID: 28862636 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577517009080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The beamline control software, through the associated graphical user interface (GUI), is the user access point to the experiment, interacting with synchrotron beamline components and providing automated routines. FIP, the French beamline for the Investigation of Proteins, is a highly automatized macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. On such a beamline, a significant number of users choose to control their experiment remotely. This is often performed with a limited bandwidth and from a large choice of computers and operating systems. Furthermore, this has to be possible in a rapidly evolving experimental environment, where new developments have to be easily integrated. To face these challenges, a light, platform-independent, control software and associated GUI are required. Here, WIFIP, a web-based user interface developed at FIP, is described. Further than being the present FIP control interface, WIFIP is also a proof of concept for future MX control software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoann Sallaz-Damaz
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean Luc Ferrer
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 38044 Grenoble, France
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8
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Helliwell JR. New developments in crystallography: exploring its technology, methods and scope in the molecular biosciences. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20170204. [PMID: 28572170 PMCID: PMC6434086 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20170204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the Protein Data Bank (PDB) was founded in 1971, there are now over 120,000 depositions, the majority of which are from X-ray crystallography and 90% of those made use of synchrotron beamlines. At the Cambridge Structure Database (CSD), founded in 1965, there are more than 800,000 'small molecule' crystal structure depositions and a very large number of those are relevant in the biosciences as ligands or cofactors. The technology for crystal structure analysis is still developing rapidly both at synchrotrons and in home labs. Determination of the details of the hydrogen atoms in biological macromolecules is well served using neutrons as probe. Large multi-macromolecular complexes cause major challenges to crystallization; electrons as probes offer unique advantages here. Methods developments naturally accompany technology change, mainly incremental but some, such as the tuneability, intensity and collimation of synchrotron radiation, have effected radical changes in capability of biological crystallography. In the past few years, the X-ray laser has taken X-ray crystallography measurement times into the femtosecond range. In terms of applications many new discoveries have been made in the molecular biosciences. The scope of crystallographic techniques is indeed very wide. As examples, new insights into chemical catalysis of enzymes and relating ligand bound structures to thermodynamics have been gained but predictive power is seen as not yet achieved. Metal complexes are also an emerging theme for biomedicine applications. Our studies of coloration of live and cooked lobsters proved to be an unexpected favourite with the public and schoolchildren. More generally, public understanding of the biosciences and crystallography's role within the field have been greatly enhanced by the United Nations International Year of Crystallography coordinated by the International Union of Crystallography. This topical review describes each of these areas along with illustrative results to document the scope of each methodology.
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9
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Abstract
Prompted by methodological advances in measurements with X-ray free electron lasers, it was realized in the last two years that traditional (or conventional) methods for data collection from crystals of macromolecular specimens can be complemented by synchrotron measurements on microcrystals that would individually not suffice for a complete data set. Measuring, processing, and merging many partial data sets of this kind requires new techniques which have since been implemented at several third-generation synchrotron facilities, and are described here. Among these, we particularly focus on the possibility of in situ measurements combined with in meso crystal preparations and data analysis with the XDS package and auxiliary programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Diederichs
- Department of Biology, Universität Konstanz, Box 647, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Meitian Wang
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232, Villigen, Switzerland
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10
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Abstract
Radiation damage inflicted on macromolecular crystals during X-ray diffraction experiments remains a limiting factor for structure solution, even when samples are cooled to cryotemperatures (~100 K). Efforts to establish mitigation strategies are ongoing and various approaches, summarized below, have been investigated over the last 15 years, resulting in a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical factors affecting damage rates. The recent advent of X-ray free electron lasers permits "diffraction-before-destruction" by providing highly brilliant and short (a few tens of fs) X-ray pulses. New fourth generation synchrotron sources now coming on line with higher X-ray flux densities than those available from third generation synchrotrons will bring the issue of radiation damage once more to the fore for structural biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth F Garman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| | - Martin Weik
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, University of Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38044, Grenoble, France.
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11
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Bruno AE, Soares AS, Owen RL, Snell EH. The use of haptic interfaces and web services in crystallography: an application for a 'screen to beam' interface. J Appl Crystallogr 2016; 49:2082-2090. [PMID: 27980513 PMCID: PMC5139995 DOI: 10.1107/s160057671601431x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Haptic interfaces have become common in consumer electronics. They enable easy interaction and information entry without the use of a mouse or keyboard. The work presented here illustrates the application of a haptic interface to crystallization screening in order to provide a natural means for visualizing and selecting results. By linking this to a cloud-based database and web-based application program interface, the same application shifts the approach from 'point and click' to 'touch and share', where results can be selected, annotated and discussed collaboratively. In the crystallographic application, given a suitable crystallization plate, beamline and robotic end effector, the resulting information can be used to close the loop between screening and X-ray analysis, allowing a direct and efficient 'screen to beam' approach. The application is not limited to the area of crystallization screening; 'touch and share' can be used by any information-rich scientific analysis and geographically distributed collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E. Bruno
- Center for Computational Research, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Alexei S. Soares
- Photon Sciences Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, PO Box 5000, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Robin L. Owen
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ODE, UK
| | - Edward H. Snell
- Hauptman–Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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12
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Sui S, Wang Y, Kolewe KW, Srajer V, Henning R, Schiffman JD, Dimitrakopoulos C, Perry SL. Graphene-based microfluidics for serial crystallography. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:3082-96. [PMID: 27241728 PMCID: PMC4970872 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00451b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic strategies to enable the growth and subsequent serial crystallographic analysis of micro-crystals have the potential to facilitate both structural characterization and dynamic structural studies of protein targets that have been resistant to single-crystal strategies. However, adapting microfluidic crystallization platforms for micro-crystallography requires a dramatic decrease in the overall device thickness. We report a robust strategy for the straightforward incorporation of single-layer graphene into ultra-thin microfluidic devices. This architecture allows for a total material thickness of only ∼1 μm, facilitating on-chip X-ray diffraction analysis while creating a sample environment that is stable against significant water loss over several weeks. We demonstrate excellent signal-to-noise in our X-ray diffraction measurements using a 1.5 μs polychromatic X-ray exposure, and validate our approach via on-chip structure determination using hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) as a model system. Although this work is focused on the use of graphene for protein crystallography, we anticipate that this technology should find utility in a wide range of both X-ray and other lab on a chip applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Sui
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Kristopher W Kolewe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Vukica Srajer
- BioCARS Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Robert Henning
- BioCARS Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Jessica D Schiffman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Christos Dimitrakopoulos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Sarah L Perry
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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Nurizzo D, Bowler MW, Caserotto H, Dobias F, Giraud T, Surr J, Guichard N, Papp G, Guijarro M, Mueller-Dieckmann C, Flot D, McSweeney S, Cipriani F, Theveneau P, Leonard GA. RoboDiff: combining a sample changer and goniometer for highly automated macromolecular crystallography experiments. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2016; 72:966-75. [PMID: 27487827 PMCID: PMC4973212 DOI: 10.1107/s205979831601158x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An industrial six-axis robot has been combined with a high-accuracy air-bearing rotation axis to create a single device with the capabilities of both transferring cryocooled protein crystals from a sample-containing dewar and collecting complete X-ray diffraction data sets. Automation of the mounting of cryocooled samples is now a feature of the majority of beamlines dedicated to macromolecular crystallography (MX). Robotic sample changers have been developed over many years, with the latest designs increasing capacity, reliability and speed. Here, the development of a new sample changer deployed at the ESRF beamline MASSIF-1 (ID30A-1), based on an industrial six-axis robot, is described. The device, named RoboDiff, includes a high-capacity dewar, acts as both a sample changer and a high-accuracy goniometer, and has been designed for completely unattended sample mounting and diffraction data collection. This aim has been achieved using a high level of diagnostics at all steps of the process from mounting and characterization to data collection. The RoboDiff has been in service on the fully automated endstation MASSIF-1 at the ESRF since September 2014 and, at the time of writing, has processed more than 20 000 samples completely automatically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Nurizzo
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Matthew W Bowler
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Hugo Caserotto
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Fabien Dobias
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Thierry Giraud
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - John Surr
- Unit for Virus Host Cell Interactions, Université Grenoble Alpes-EMBL-CNRS, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Nicolas Guichard
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Gergely Papp
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Matias Guijarro
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | | | - David Flot
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Sean McSweeney
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Florent Cipriani
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Pascal Theveneau
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Gordon A Leonard
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, F-38043 Grenoble, France
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14
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Owen RL, Juanhuix J, Fuchs M. Current advances in synchrotron radiation instrumentation for MX experiments. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 602:21-31. [PMID: 27046341 PMCID: PMC5505570 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Following pioneering work 40 years ago, synchrotron beamlines dedicated to macromolecular crystallography (MX) have improved in almost every aspect as instrumentation has evolved. Beam sizes and crystal dimensions are now on the single micron scale while data can be collected from proteins with molecular weights over 10 MDa and from crystals with unit cell dimensions over 1000 Å. Furthermore it is possible to collect a complete data set in seconds, and obtain the resulting structure in minutes. The impact of MX synchrotron beamlines and their evolution is reflected in their scientific output, and MX is now the method of choice for a variety of aims from ligand binding to structure determination of membrane proteins, viruses and ribosomes, resulting in a much deeper understanding of the machinery of life. A main driving force of beamline evolution have been advances in almost every aspect of the instrumentation comprising a synchrotron beamline. In this review we aim to provide an overview of the current status of instrumentation at modern MX experiments. The most critical optical components are discussed, as are aspects of endstation design, sample delivery, visualisation and positioning, the sample environment, beam shaping, detectors and data acquisition and processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L Owen
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK.
| | - Jordi Juanhuix
- Alba Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola, 08192, Spain.
| | - Martin Fuchs
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Lab, Upton, NY, 11973, USA.
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15
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Zander U, Bourenkov G, Popov AN, de Sanctis D, Svensson O, McCarthy AA, Round E, Gordeliy V, Mueller-Dieckmann C, Leonard GA. MeshAndCollect: an automated multi-crystal data-collection workflow for synchrotron macromolecular crystallography beamlines. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2015; 71:2328-43. [PMID: 26527148 PMCID: PMC4631482 DOI: 10.1107/s1399004715017927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Here, an automated procedure is described to identify the positions of many cryocooled crystals mounted on the same sample holder, to rapidly predict and rank their relative diffraction strengths and to collect partial X-ray diffraction data sets from as many of the crystals as desired. Subsequent hierarchical cluster analysis then allows the best combination of partial data sets, optimizing the quality of the final data set obtained. The results of applying the method developed to various systems and scenarios including the compilation of a complete data set from tiny crystals of the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin and the collection of data sets for successful structure determination using the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion technique are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Zander
- Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, CS 40220, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Gleb Bourenkov
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander N. Popov
- Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, CS 40220, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Daniele de Sanctis
- Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, CS 40220, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Olof Svensson
- Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, CS 40220, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Andrew A. McCarthy
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble, France
- Unit of Virus Host-Cell Interactions, Université Grenoble Alpes–EMBL–CNRS, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Ekaterina Round
- Université Grenoble Alpes, IBS, 38044 Grenoble, France
- CNRS, IBS, 38044 Grenoble, France
- CEA, IBS, 38044 Grenoble, France
- ICS-6: Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems (ICS), Research Centre Juelich, 52425 Juelich, Germany
- Laboratory for Advanced Studies of Membrane Proteins, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy 141700, Russian Federation
| | - Valentin Gordeliy
- Université Grenoble Alpes, IBS, 38044 Grenoble, France
- CNRS, IBS, 38044 Grenoble, France
- CEA, IBS, 38044 Grenoble, France
- ICS-6: Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems (ICS), Research Centre Juelich, 52425 Juelich, Germany
- Laboratory for Advanced Studies of Membrane Proteins, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy 141700, Russian Federation
| | | | - Gordon A. Leonard
- Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, CS 40220, 38043 Grenoble, France
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16
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Gelin M, Delfosse V, Allemand F, Hoh F, Sallaz-Damaz Y, Pirocchi M, Bourguet W, Ferrer JL, Labesse G, Guichou JF. Combining 'dry' co-crystallization and in situ diffraction to facilitate ligand screening by X-ray crystallography. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2015; 71:1777-87. [PMID: 26249358 DOI: 10.1107/s1399004715010342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
X-ray crystallography is an established technique for ligand screening in fragment-based drug-design projects, but the required manual handling steps - soaking crystals with ligand and the subsequent harvesting - are tedious and limit the throughput of the process. Here, an alternative approach is reported: crystallization plates are pre-coated with potential binders prior to protein crystallization and X-ray diffraction is performed directly 'in situ' (or in-plate). Its performance is demonstrated on distinct and relevant therapeutic targets currently being studied for ligand screening by X-ray crystallography using either a bending-magnet beamline or a rotating-anode generator. The possibility of using DMSO stock solutions of the ligands to be coated opens up a route to screening most chemical libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Gelin
- CNRS, UMR5048 - Université de Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Vanessa Delfosse
- CNRS, UMR5048 - Université de Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Allemand
- CNRS, UMR5048 - Université de Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - François Hoh
- CNRS, UMR5048 - Université de Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - William Bourguet
- CNRS, UMR5048 - Université de Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Gilles Labesse
- CNRS, UMR5048 - Université de Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean François Guichou
- CNRS, UMR5048 - Université de Montpellier, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, 34090 Montpellier, France
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17
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Application of in situ diffraction in high-throughput structure determination platforms. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1261:233-53. [PMID: 25502203 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2230-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecular crystallography (MX) is the most powerful technique available to structural biologists to visualize in atomic detail the macromolecular machinery of the cell. Since the emergence of structural genomics initiatives, significant advances have been made in all key steps of the structure determination process. In particular, third-generation synchrotron sources and the application of highly automated approaches to data acquisition and analysis at these facilities have been the major factors in the rate of increase of macromolecular structures determined annually. A plethora of tools are now available to users of synchrotron beamlines to enable rapid and efficient evaluation of samples, collection of the best data, and in favorable cases structure solution in near real time. Here, we provide a short overview of the emerging use of collecting X-ray diffraction data directly from the crystallization experiment. These in situ experiments are now routinely available to users at a number of synchrotron MX beamlines. A practical guide to the use of the method on the MX suite of beamlines at Diamond Light Source is given.
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18
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Calero G, Cohen AE, Luft JR, Newman J, Snell EH. Identifying, studying and making good use of macromolecular crystals. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2014; 70:993-1008. [PMID: 25084371 PMCID: PMC4118793 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x14016574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As technology advances, the crystal volume that can be used to collect useful X-ray diffraction data decreases. The technologies available to detect and study growing crystals beyond the optical resolution limit and methods to successfully place the crystal into the X-ray beam are discussed. Structural biology has contributed tremendous knowledge to the understanding of life on the molecular scale. The Protein Data Bank, a depository of this structural knowledge, currently contains over 100 000 protein structures, with the majority stemming from X-ray crystallography. As the name might suggest, crystallography requires crystals. As detectors become more sensitive and X-ray sources more intense, the notion of a crystal is gradually changing from one large enough to embellish expensive jewellery to objects that have external dimensions of the order of the wavelength of visible light. Identifying these crystals is a prerequisite to their study. This paper discusses developments in identifying these crystals during crystallization screening and distinguishing them from other potential outcomes. The practical aspects of ensuring that once a crystal is identified it can then be positioned in the X-ray beam for data collection are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Calero
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Aina E Cohen
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Joseph R Luft
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Janet Newman
- CSIRO Collaborative Crystallisation Centre, 343 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Edward H Snell
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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19
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Luft JR, Grant TD, Wolfley JR, Snell EH. A new view on crystal harvesting. J Appl Crystallogr 2014; 47:1158-1161. [PMID: 24904250 DOI: 10.1107/s1600576714008899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray crystallography typically requires the mounting of crystals, which can make the sample difficult to manipulate when it is small and the microscope objective is close to the crystallization plate. By simply moving the objective to the bottom of a clear crystallization plate (inverting the normal view), crystals were able to be manipulated and harvested from wells having a 0.9 mm diameter and 5.0 mm depth. The mounting system enabled the structural solution of the 187 amino acid N-terminal domain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase from crystals that appeared during high-throughput screening but proved recalcitrant to scale-up and optimization. While not a general mounting solution, the simple expedient of removing the objective lens from the area where manipulation and harvesting occur greatly facilitates the manual, or even automated, process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Luft
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Thomas D Grant
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wolfley
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Edward H Snell
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA ; Department of Structural Biology, SUNY Buffalo, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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20
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Deller MC, Rupp B. Approaches to automated protein crystal harvesting. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2014; 70:133-55. [PMID: 24637746 PMCID: PMC3936438 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x14000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The harvesting of protein crystals is almost always a necessary step in the determination of a protein structure using X-ray crystallographic techniques. However, protein crystals are usually fragile and susceptible to damage during the harvesting process. For this reason, protein crystal harvesting is the single step that remains entirely dependent on skilled human intervention. Automation has been implemented in the majority of other stages of the structure-determination pipeline, including cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and data collection. The gap in automation between crystallization and data collection results in a bottleneck in throughput and presents unfortunate opportunities for crystal damage. Several automated protein crystal harvesting systems have been developed, including systems utilizing microcapillaries, microtools, microgrippers, acoustic droplet ejection and optical traps. However, these systems have yet to be commonly deployed in the majority of crystallography laboratories owing to a variety of technical and cost-related issues. Automation of protein crystal harvesting remains essential for harnessing the full benefits of fourth-generation synchrotrons, free-electron lasers and microfocus beamlines. Furthermore, automation of protein crystal harvesting offers several benefits when compared with traditional manual approaches, including the ability to harvest microcrystals, improved flash-cooling procedures and increased throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc C. Deller
- The Joint Center for Structural Genomics, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Department of Forensic Crystallography, k.-k. Hofkristallamt, 991 Audrey Place, Vista, CA 92084, USA
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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21
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Boudes M, Garriga D, Coulibaly F. Reflections on the Many Facets of Protein Microcrystallography. Aust J Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1071/ch14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The use of X-ray crystallography for the structure determination of biological macromolecules has experienced a steady expansion over the last 20 years with the Protein Data Bank growing from <1000 deposited structures in 1992 to >100 000 in 2014. The large number of structures determined each year not only reflects the impact of X-ray crystallography on many disciplines in the biological and medical fields but also its accessibility to non-expert laboratories. Thus protein crystallography is now largely a mainstream research technique and is routinely integrated in high-throughput pipelines such as structural genomics projects and structure-based drug design. Yet, significant frontiers remain that continuously require methodological developments. In particular, membrane proteins, large assemblies, and proteins from scarce natural sources still represent challenging targets for which obtaining the large diffracting crystals required for classical crystallography is often difficult. These limitations have fostered the emergence of microcrystallography, novel approaches in structural biology that collectively aim at determining structures from the smallest crystals. Here, we review the state of the art of macromolecular microcrystallography and recent progress achieved in this field.
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22
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Márquez JA, Cipriani F. CrystalDirect™: a novel approach for automated crystal harvesting based on photoablation of thin films. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1091:197-203. [PMID: 24203334 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-691-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The last years have seen a major development in automation for protein production, crystallization, and X-ray diffraction data collection, which has contributed to accelerate the pace of structure solution and to facilitate the study of ever more challenging targets through macromolecular crystallography. This has led to a considerable increase in the numbers of crystals produced and analyzed. However the process of recovering crystals from crystallization supports and mounting them in X-ray data collection pins remains a manual and delicate operation. Here we present a novel approach enabling full automation of the crystal mounting process and describe the operation of the first-automated CrystalDirect harvesting unit. Implications for crystallography applications and for the future operational integration of automated crystallization and data collection resources are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Márquez
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, Grenoble, France
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23
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Gorrec F. The current approach to initial crystallization screening of proteins is under-sampled. J Appl Crystallogr 2013; 46:795-797. [PMID: 23682195 PMCID: PMC3654315 DOI: 10.1107/s0021889813008030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein crystallization conditions that resulted in crystal structures published by scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB, Cambridge, UK) have been analysed. It was observed that the more often a crystallization reagent had been used to formulate the initial conditions, the more often it was found in the reported conditions that yielded diffraction quality crystals. The present analysis shows that, despite the broad variety of reagents, they have the same impact overall on the yield of crystal structures. More interestingly, the correlation implies that, although the initial crystallization screen may be considered very large, it is an under-sampled combinatorial approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Gorrec
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QH, England
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24
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Heidari Khajepour MY, Lebrette H, Vernede X, Rogues P, Ferrer JL. A geometrical approach for semi-automated crystal centering andin situX-ray diffraction data collection. J Appl Crystallogr 2013. [DOI: 10.1107/s002188981301008x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput protein crystallography projects pushed forward the development of automated crystallization platforms that are now commonly used. This created an urgent need for adapted and automated equipment for crystal analysis. However, first these crystals have to be harvested, cryo-protected and flash-cooled, operations that can fail or negatively impact on the crystal.In situX-ray diffraction analysis has become a valid alternative to these operations, and a growing number of users apply it for crystal screening and to solve structures. Nevertheless, even this shortcut may require a significant amount of beam time. In thisin situhigh-throughput approach, the centering of crystals relative to the beam represents the bottleneck in the analysis process. In this article, a new method to accelerate this process, by recording accurately the local geometry coordinates for each crystal in the crystallization plate, is presented. Subsequently, the crystallization plate can be presented to the X-ray beam by an automated plate-handling device, such as a six-axis robot arm, for an automated crystal centering in the beam,in situscreening or data collection. Here the preliminary results of such a semi-automated pipeline are reported for two distinct test proteins.
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25
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Ferrer JL, Larive NA, Bowler MW, Nurizzo D. Recent progress in robot-based systems for crystallography and their contribution to drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:835-47. [PMID: 23656378 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.793666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION X-ray crystallography is the main tool for macromolecular structure solution at atomic resolution. It provides key information for the understanding of protein function, opening opportunities for the modulation of enzymatic mechanisms, and protein-ligand interactions. As a consequence, macromolecular crystallography plays an essential role in drug design, as well as in the a posteriori validation of drug mechanisms. AREAS COVERED The demand for method developments and also tools for macromolecular crystallography has significantly increased over the past 10 years. As a consequence, access to the facilities required for these investigations, such as synchrotron beamlines, became more difficult and significant efforts were dedicated to the automation of the experimental setup in laboratories. In this article, the authors describe how this was accomplished and how robot-based systems contribute to the enhancement of the macromolecular structure solution pipeline. EXPERT OPINION The evolution in robot technology, together with progress in X-ray beam performance and software developments, contributes to a new era in macromolecular X-ray crystallography. Highly integrated experimental environments open new possibilities for crystallography experiments. It is likely that it will also change the way this technique will be used in the future, opening the field to a larger community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Luc Ferrer
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Joseph Fourier (UJF), Institut de Biologie Structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel (IBS), F-38027 Grenoble Cedex 1, France.
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26
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Duran D, Couster SL, Desjardins K, Delmotte A, Fox G, Meijers R, Moreno T, Savko M, Shepard W. PROXIMA 2A – A New Fully Tunable Micro-focus Beamline for Macromolecular Crystallography. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/425/1/012005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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27
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Heidari Khajepour MY, Vernede X, Cobessi D, Lebrette H, Rogues P, Terrien M, Berzin C, Ferrer JL. REACH: Robotic Equipment for Automated Crystal Harvesting using a six-axis robot arm and a micro-gripper. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2013; 69:381-7. [PMID: 23519413 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444912048019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In protein crystallography experiments, only two critical steps remain manual: the transfer of crystals from their original crystallization drop into the cryoprotection solution followed by flash-cooling. These steps are risky and tedious, requiring a high degree of manual dexterity. These limiting steps are a real bottleneck to high-throughput crystallography and limit the remote use of protein crystallography core facilities. To eliminate this limit, the Robotic Equipment for Automated Crystal Harvesting (REACH) was developed. This robotized system, equipped with a two-finger micro-gripping device, allows crystal harvesting, cryoprotection and flash-cooling. Using this setup, harvesting experiments were performed on several crystals, followed by direct data collection using the same robot arm as a goniometer. Analysis of the diffraction data demonstrates that REACH is highly reliable and efficient and does not alter crystallographic data. This new instrument fills the gap in the high-throughput crystallographic pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yaser Heidari Khajepour
- Institut de Biologie Structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel, Groupe Synchrotron, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Joseph Fourier, F-38027 Grenoble CEDEX 1, France
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28
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Garman EF, Weik M. Radiation damage to biological macromolecules: some answers and more questions. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2013; 20:1-6. [PMID: 23254650 DOI: 10.1107/s0909049512050418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Research into radiation damage in macromolecular crystallography has matured over the last few years, resulting in a better understanding of both the processes and timescales involved. In turn this is now allowing practical recommendations for the optimization of crystal dose lifetime to be suggested. Some long-standing questions have been answered by recent investigations, and from these answers new challenges arise and areas of investigation can be proposed. Six papers published in this volume give an indication of some of the current directions of this field and also that of single-particle cryo-microscopy, and the brief summary below places them into the overall framework of ongoing research into macromolecular crystallography radiation damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth F Garman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
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29
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Lobley CMC, Aller P, Douangamath A, Reddivari Y, Bumann M, Bird LE, Nettleship JE, Brandao-Neto J, Owens RJ, O’Toole PW, Walsh MA. Structure of ribose 5-phosphate isomerase from the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2012; 68:1427-33. [PMID: 23192019 PMCID: PMC3509960 DOI: 10.1107/s174430911204273x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The structure of ribose 5-phosphate isomerase from the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus salivarius UCC188 has been determined at 1.72 Å resolution. The structure was solved by molecular replacement, which identified the functional homodimer in the asymmetric unit. Despite only showing 57% sequence identity to its closest homologue, the structure adopted the typical α and β D-ribose 5-phosphate isomerase fold. Comparison to other related structures revealed high homology in the active site, allowing a model of the substrate-bound protein to be proposed. The determination of the structure was expedited by the use of in situ crystallization-plate screening on beamline I04-1 at Diamond Light Source to identify well diffracting protein crystals prior to routine cryocrystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina M. C. Lobley
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Pierre Aller
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Alice Douangamath
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Yamini Reddivari
- Oxford Protein Production Facility UK, Research Complex at Harwell, R92 Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, England
| | - Mario Bumann
- MRC France, BM14, c/o ESRF, 6 Rue Jules Horowitz, BP 220, 38043 Grenoble France
| | - Louise E. Bird
- Oxford Protein Production Facility UK, Research Complex at Harwell, R92 Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, England
| | - Joanne E. Nettleship
- Oxford Protein Production Facility UK, Research Complex at Harwell, R92 Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, England
| | - Jose Brandao-Neto
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- Oxford Protein Production Facility UK, Research Complex at Harwell, R92 Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0FA, England
| | - Paul W. O’Toole
- Department of Microbiology, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Martin A. Walsh
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
- MRC France, BM14, c/o ESRF, 6 Rue Jules Horowitz, BP 220, 38043 Grenoble France
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30
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Cipriani F, Röwer M, Landret C, Zander U, Felisaz F, Márquez JA. CrystalDirect: a new method for automated crystal harvesting based on laser-induced photoablation of thin films. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2012; 68:1393-9. [DOI: 10.1107/s0907444912031459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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31
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Brockhauser S, Svensson O, Bowler MW, Nanao M, Gordon E, Leal RMF, Popov A, Gerring M, McCarthy AA, Gotz A. The use of workflows in the design and implementation of complex experiments in macromolecular crystallography. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2012; 68:975-84. [PMID: 22868763 PMCID: PMC3413211 DOI: 10.1107/s090744491201863x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The automation of beam delivery, sample handling and data analysis, together with increasing photon flux, diminishing focal spot size and the appearance of fast-readout detectors on synchrotron beamlines, have changed the way that many macromolecular crystallography experiments are planned and executed. Screening for the best diffracting crystal, or even the best diffracting part of a selected crystal, has been enabled by the development of microfocus beams, precise goniometers and fast-readout detectors that all require rapid feedback from the initial processing of images in order to be effective. All of these advances require the coupling of data feedback to the experimental control system and depend on immediate online data-analysis results during the experiment. To facilitate this, a Data Analysis WorkBench (DAWB) for the flexible creation of complex automated protocols has been developed. Here, example workflows designed and implemented using DAWB are presented for enhanced multi-step crystal characterizations, experiments involving crystal reorientation with kappa goniometers, crystal-burning experiments for empirically determining the radiation sensitivity of a crystal system and the application of mesh scans to find the best location of a crystal to obtain the highest diffraction quality. Beamline users interact with the prepared workflows through a specific brick within the beamline-control GUI MXCuBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor Brockhauser
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 6 Rue Jules Horowitz, BP 181, 38042 Grenoble, France.
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Owen RL, Axford D, Nettleship JE, Owens RJ, Robinson JI, Morgan AW, Doré AS, Lebon G, Tate CG, Fry EE, Ren J, Stuart DI, Evans G. Outrunning free radicals in room-temperature macromolecular crystallography. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2012; 68:810-8. [PMID: 22751666 PMCID: PMC4791751 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444912012553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A significant increase in the lifetime of room-temperature macromolecular crystals is reported through the use of a high-brilliance X-ray beam, reduced exposure times and a fast-readout detector. This is attributed to the ability to collect diffraction data before hydroxyl radicals can propagate through the crystal, fatally disrupting the lattice. Hydroxyl radicals are shown to be trapped in amorphous solutions at 100 K. The trend in crystal lifetime was observed in crystals of a soluble protein (immunoglobulin γ Fc receptor IIIa), a virus (bovine enterovirus serotype 2) and a membrane protein (human A(2A) adenosine G-protein coupled receptor). The observation of a similar effect in all three systems provides clear evidence for a common optimal strategy for room-temperature data collection and will inform the design of future synchrotron beamlines and detectors for macromolecular crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L Owen
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, England.
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33
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Axford D, Owen RL, Aishima J, Foadi J, Morgan AW, Robinson JI, Nettleship JE, Owens RJ, Moraes I, Fry EE, Grimes JM, Harlos K, Kotecha A, Ren J, Sutton G, Walter TS, Stuart DI, Evans G. In situ macromolecular crystallography using microbeams. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2012; 68:592-600. [PMID: 22525757 PMCID: PMC4791750 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444912006749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in high-throughput methods in macromolecular crystallography, the production of diffraction-quality crystals remains a major bottleneck. By recording diffraction in situ from crystals in their crystallization plates at room temperature, a number of problems associated with crystal handling and cryoprotection can be side-stepped. Using a dedicated goniometer installed on the microfocus macromolecular crystallography beamline I24 at Diamond Light Source, crystals have been studied in situ with an intense and flexible microfocus beam, allowing weakly diffracting samples to be assessed without a manual crystal-handling step but with good signal to noise, despite the background scatter from the plate. A number of case studies are reported: the structure solution of bovine enterovirus 2, crystallization screening of membrane proteins and complexes, and structure solution from crystallization hits produced via a high-throughput pipeline. These demonstrate the potential for in situ data collection and structure solution with microbeams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Axford
- Life Science Division, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Robin L. Owen
- Life Science Division, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Jun Aishima
- Life Science Division, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - James Foadi
- Life Science Division, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
- Membrane Protein Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, England
| | - Ann W. Morgan
- NIHR–Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit and Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7FT, England
| | - James I. Robinson
- NIHR–Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit and Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7FT, England
| | - Joanne E. Nettleship
- OPPF-UK, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory R92, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- OPPF-UK, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory R92, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
| | - Isabel Moraes
- Membrane Protein Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, England
| | - Elizabeth E. Fry
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Jonathan M. Grimes
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Karl Harlos
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Abhay Kotecha
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Jingshan Ren
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Geoff Sutton
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Thomas S. Walter
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - David I. Stuart
- Life Science Division, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, England
| | - Gwyndaf Evans
- Life Science Division, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, England
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Mueller U, Darowski N, Fuchs MR, Förster R, Hellmig M, Paithankar KS, Pühringer S, Steffien M, Zocher G, Weiss MS. Facilities for macromolecular crystallography at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2012; 19:442-9. [PMID: 22514183 PMCID: PMC3408958 DOI: 10.1107/s0909049512006395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Three macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) are available for the regional, national and international structural biology user community. The state-of-the-art synchrotron beamlines for MX BL14.1, BL14.2 and BL14.3 are located within the low-β section of the BESSY II electron storage ring. All beamlines are fed from a superconducting 7 T wavelength-shifter insertion device. BL14.1 and BL14.2 are energy tunable in the range 5-16 keV, while BL14.3 is a fixed-energy side station operated at 13.8 keV. All three beamlines are equipped with CCD detectors. BL14.1 and BL14.2 are in regular user operation providing about 200 beam days per year and about 600 user shifts to approximately 50 research groups across Europe. BL14.3 has initially been used as a test facility and was brought into regular user mode operation during the year 2010. BL14.1 has recently been upgraded with a microdiffractometer including a mini-κ goniometer and an automated sample changer. Additional user facilities include office space adjacent to the beamlines, a sample preparation laboratory, a biology laboratory (safety level 1) and high-end computing resources. In this article the instrumentation of the beamlines is described, and a summary of the experimental possibilities of the beamlines and the provided ancillary equipment for the user community is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Mueller
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Institute for Soft Matter and Functional Materials, Macromolecular Crystallography, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany.
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Sørensen HO, Schmidt S, Wright JP, Vaughan GBM, Techert S, Garman EF, Oddershede J, Davaasambuu J, Paithankar KS, Gundlach C, Poulsen HF. Multigrain crystallography. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1524/zkri.2012.1438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Hargreaves D. A manual low-cost protein-crystallization plate jig for in situ diffraction in the home laboratory. J Appl Crystallogr 2011; 45:138-140. [PMID: 22479121 PMCID: PMC3289794 DOI: 10.1107/s0021889811052654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A prototype jig to attach a protein crystallization plate to a standard X-ray goniometer has been designed and constructed in partnership with an engineering firm. This allows a low-cost implementation of in situ diffraction using the available home-laboratory X-ray source.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hargreaves
- AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK10 4TF, England
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37
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Delagenière S, Brenchereau P, Launer L, Ashton AW, Leal R, Veyrier S, Gabadinho J, Gordon EJ, Jones SD, Levik KE, McSweeney SM, Monaco S, Nanao M, Spruce D, Svensson O, Walsh MA, Leonard GA. ISPyB: an information management system for synchrotron macromolecular crystallography. Bioinformatics 2011; 27:3186-92. [PMID: 21949273 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btr535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Individual research groups now analyze thousands of samples per year at synchrotron macromolecular crystallography (MX) resources. The efficient management of experimental data is thus essential if the best possible experiments are to be performed and the best possible data used in downstream processes in structure determination pipelines. Information System for Protein crystallography Beamlines (ISPyB), a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with an underlying data model allowing for the integration of analyses down-stream of the data collection experiment was developed to facilitate such data management. RESULTS ISPyB is now a multisite, generic LIMS for synchrotron-based MX experiments. Its initial functionality has been enhanced to include improved sample tracking and reporting of experimental protocols, the direct ranking of the diffraction characteristics of individual samples and the archiving of raw data and results from ancillary experiments and post-experiment data processing protocols. This latter feature paves the way for ISPyB to play a central role in future macromolecular structure solution pipelines and validates the application of the approach used in ISPyB to other experimental techniques, such as biological solution Small Angle X-ray Scattering and spectroscopy, which have similar sample tracking and data handling requirements.
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38
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Winter G, McAuley KE. Automated data collection for macromolecular crystallography. Methods 2011; 55:81-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2011.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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le Maire A, Gelin M, Pochet S, Hoh F, Pirocchi M, Guichou JF, Ferrer JL, Labesse G. In-plate protein crystallization, in situ ligand soaking and X-ray diffraction. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2011; 67:747-55. [PMID: 21904027 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444911023249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
X-ray crystallography is now a recognized technique for ligand screening, especially for fragment-based drug design. However, protein crystal handling is still tedious and limits further automation. An alternative method for the solution of crystal structures of proteins in complex with small ligands is proposed. Crystallization drops are directly exposed to an X-ray beam after cocrystallization or soaking with the desired ligands. The use of dedicated plates in connection with an optimal parametrization of the G-rob robot allows efficient data collection. Three proteins currently under study in our laboratory for ligand screening by X-ray crystallography were used as validation test cases. The protein crystals belonged to different space groups, including a challenging monoclinic case. The resulting diffraction data can lead to clear ligand recognition, including indication of alternating conformations. These results demonstrate a possible method for automation of ligand screening by X-ray crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albane le Maire
- Université Montpellier 1 et 2, Centre de Biochimie Structurale, France
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40
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Paithankar KS, Sørensen HO, Wright JP, Schmidt S, Poulsen HF, Garman EF. Simultaneous X-ray diffraction from multiple single crystals of macromolecules. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2011; 67:608-18. [DOI: 10.1107/s0907444911015617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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41
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Soliman ASM, Warkentin M, Apker B, Thorne RE. Development of high-performance X-ray transparent crystallization plates for in situ protein crystal screening and analysis. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2011; 67:646-56. [PMID: 21697603 DOI: 10.1107/s090744491101883x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
X-ray transparent crystallization plates based upon a novel drop-pinning technology provide a flexible, simple and inexpensive approach to protein crystallization and screening. The plates consist of open cells sealed top and bottom by thin optically, UV and X-ray transparent films. The plates do not need wells or depressions to contain liquids. Instead, protein drops and reservoir solution are held in place by rings with micrometre dimensions that are patterned onto the bottom film. These rings strongly pin the liquid contact lines, thereby improving drop shape and position uniformity, and thus crystallization reproducibility, and simplifying automated image analysis of drop contents. The same rings effectively pin solutions containing salts, proteins, cryoprotectants, oils, alcohols and detergents. Strong pinning by rings allows the plates to be rotated without liquid mixing to 90° for X-ray data collection or to be inverted for hanging-drop crystallization. The plates have the standard SBS format and are compatible with standard liquid-handling robots.
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42
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Garman EF, Weik M. Macromolecular crystallography radiation damage research: what's new? JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2011; 18:313-7. [PMID: 21525638 PMCID: PMC3083910 DOI: 10.1107/s0909049511013859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Radiation damage in macromolecular crystallography has become a mainstream concern over the last ten years. The current status of research into this area is briefly assessed, and the ten new papers published in this issue are set into the context of previous work in the field. Some novel and exciting developments emerging over the last two years are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth F. Garman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Martin Weik
- Comissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38054 Grenoble, France
- CNRS, UMR5075, F-38027 Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- ESRF, 6 rue Jules Horowitz, BP 220, 38043 Grenoble Cedex, France
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43
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Luft JR, Snell EH, Detitta GT. Lessons from high-throughput protein crystallization screening: 10 years of practical experience. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2011; 6:465-80. [PMID: 22646073 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2011.566857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION X-ray crystallography provides the majority of our structural biological knowledge at a molecular level and, in terms of pharmaceutical design, is a valuable tool to accelerate discovery. It is the premier technique in the field, but its usefulness is significantly limited by the need to grow well-diffracting crystals. It is for this reason that high-throughput crystallization has become a key technology that has matured over the past 10 years through the field of structural genomics. Areas covered : The authors describe their experiences in high-throughput crystallization screening in the context of structural genomics and the general biomedical community. They focus on the lessons learnt from the operation of a high-throughput crystallization-screening laboratory, which to date has screened over 12,500 biological macromolecules. They also describe the approaches taken to maximize the success while minimizing the effort. Through this, the authors hope that the reader will gain an insight into the efficient design of a laboratory and protocols to accomplish high-throughput crystallization on a single-, multiuser laboratory or industrial scale. Expert opinion : High-throughput crystallization screening is readily available but, despite the power of the crystallographic technique, getting crystals is still not a solved problem. High-throughput approaches can help when used skillfully; however, they still require human input in the detailed analysis and interpretation of results to be more successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Luft
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute , 700 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203 , USA +1 716 898 8623 ; +1 716 898 8660 ;
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44
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Crystallography of membrane proteins: from crystallization to structure. Methods Mol Biol 2010. [PMID: 20665262 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-762-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Although crystallographic studies of membrane proteins have progressed in the last 5 years, the field still remains challenging with several severe bottlenecks. The chapter focuses on the crystallization and describes two approaches, the classical vapor diffusion method and the more recent use of lipidic phases. General aspects on the crystallization principles as well as more practical details are given. In a more synthetic way, the chapter also addresses how structures are solved by X-ray crystallography, and highlights aspects that are specific to membrane proteins.
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45
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Bowler MW, Guijarro M, Petitdemange S, Baker I, Svensson O, Burghammer M, Mueller-Dieckmann C, Gordon EJ, Flot D, McSweeney SM, Leonard GA. Diffraction cartography: applying microbeams to macromolecular crystallography sample evaluation and data collection. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2010; 66:855-64. [PMID: 20693684 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444910019591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Crystals of biological macromolecules often exhibit considerable inter-crystal and intra-crystal variation in diffraction quality. This requires the evaluation of many samples prior to data collection, a practice that is already widespread in macromolecular crystallography. As structural biologists move towards tackling ever more ambitious projects, new automated methods of sample evaluation will become crucial to the success of many projects, as will the availability of synchrotron-based facilities optimized for high-throughput evaluation of the diffraction characteristics of samples. Here, two examples of the types of advanced sample evaluation that will be required are presented: searching within a sample-containing loop for microcrystals using an X-ray beam of 5 microm diameter and selecting the most ordered regions of relatively large crystals using X-ray beams of 5-50 microm in diameter. A graphical user interface developed to assist with these screening methods is also presented. For the case in which the diffraction quality of a relatively large crystal is probed using a microbeam, the usefulness and implications of mapping diffraction-quality heterogeneity (diffraction cartography) are discussed. The implementation of these techniques in the context of planned upgrades to the ESRF's structural biology beamlines is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Bowler
- Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 6 Rue Jules Horowitz, F-38043 Grenoble, France.
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Girard E, Fourme R, Ciurko R, Joly J, Bouis F, Legrand P, Jacobs J, Dhaussy AC, Ferrer JL, Mezouar M, Kahn R. Macromolecular crystallography at high pressure with pneumatic diamond anvil cells handled by a six-axis robotic arm. J Appl Crystallogr 2010. [DOI: 10.1107/s0021889810016146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A new pneumatic diamond anvil cell has been constructed, generating continuous pressure and temperature variations in the range 0–2.5 GPa and 293–393 K. The cell is designed mainly for high-pressure macromolecular crystallography and should facilitate pressure and temperature annealing of the sample. The analysis is reported of several diffraction data sets of tetragonal hen egg-white lysozyme crystals loaded either in the new cell or in a currently used membrane-based cell. These experiments were performed on beamline FIP-BM30A at the ESRF, Grenoble, a macromolecular crystallography beamline on a bending magnet. Cells were handled and automatically centred by a six-axis robotic arm that was used as a goniometer for data collection by the oscillation method.
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47
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Giegé R, Sauter C. Biocrystallography: past, present, future. HFSP JOURNAL 2010; 4:109-21. [PMID: 21119764 PMCID: PMC2929629 DOI: 10.2976/1.3369281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of biocrystallography from the pioneers' time to the present era of global biology is presented in relation to the development of methodological and instrumental advances for molecular sample preparation and structure elucidation over the last 6 decades. The interdisciplinarity of the field that generated cross-fertilization between physics- and biology-focused themes is emphasized. In particular, strategies to circumvent the main bottlenecks of biocrystallography are discussed. They concern (i) the way macromolecular targets are selected, designed, and characterized, (ii) crystallogenesis and how to deal with physical and biological parameters that impact crystallization for growing and optimizing crystals, and (iii) the methods for crystal analysis and 3D structure determination. Milestones that have marked the history of biocrystallography illustrate the discussion. Finally, the future of the field is envisaged. Wide gaps of the structural space need to be filed and membrane proteins as well as intrinsically unstructured proteins still constitute challenging targets. Solving supramolecular assemblies of increasing complexity, developing a "4D biology" for decrypting the kinematic changes in macromolecular structures in action, integrating these structural data in the whole cell organization, and deciphering biomedical implications will represent the new frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Giegé
- Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Claude Sauter
- Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France
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48
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Deniaud A, Liguori L, Blesneac I, Lenormand JL, Pebay-Peyroula E. Crystallization of the membrane protein hVDAC1 produced in cell-free system. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2010; 1798:1540-6. [PMID: 20435015 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2010.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Structural studies of membrane proteins are in constant evolution with the development of new improvements for their expression, purification, stabilization and crystallization. However, none of these methods still provides a universal approach to solve the structure of membrane proteins. Here we describe the crystallization of the human voltage-dependent anion channel-1 produced by a bacterial cell-free expression system. While VDAC structures have been recently solved, we propose an alternative strategy for producing the recombinant protein, which can be applied to other membrane proteins reluctant to expression, purification and crystallization by classical approaches. Despite a lot of efforts to crystallize a cell-free expressed membrane protein, this study is to our knowledge one of the first reports of a successful crystallization. Focusing on expression in a soluble and functional state, in a detergent environment, is the key to get crystals. Although the diffraction of VDAC crystals is limited, the simplicity and the rapidity to set-up and optimize this technology are drastic advantages in comparison to other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Deniaud
- CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel, 41 rue Jules Horowitz 38027 Grenoble, France
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49
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Gill HS. Evaluating the efficacy of tryptophan fluorescence and absorbance as a selection tool for identifying protein crystals. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2010; 66:364-72. [PMID: 20208182 PMCID: PMC2833058 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309110002022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of using ultraviolet microscopes to illuminate protein crystals in high throughput screens is evaluated. The environment of individual tryptophans in known protein structures and the effectiveness of four commercial robotic UV microscopes to illuminate tryptophan-containing protein crystals by either tryptophan fluorescence (epi-illumination) or absorbance (transmission) are evaluated. In agreement with other studies, tryptophan residues are found on average to be largely buried in protein structures (with ∼84% of their surface area buried) and to be surrounded by partially polar microenvironments (with ∼43% of their surface area covered by polar residues), which suggests an inherent degree of fluorescence signal quenching. In bacterial genomes, up to one-third (∼18.5% on average) of open reading frames are deficient in tryptophan. In the laboratory, because of the attenuation of UV light by the media commonly used in sitting-drop and hanging-drop crystallization trials, it was often necessary to simplify the light path by manually removing or inverting the supporting media. Prolonged exposure (minutes) to UV light precipitates some protein samples. The absorbance spectra of many commercially available media in crystallization trials are presented. The advantages of using tryptophan absorbance over fluorescence for characterizing crystals are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harindarpal S Gill
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The Protein Expression Purification Crystallization Core, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Robbins Building E549, Cleveland, OH 44106-4970, USA.
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Emamzadah S, Petty TJ, De Almeida V, Nishimura T, Joly J, Ferrer JL, Halazonetis TD. Cyclic olefin homopolymer-based microfluidics for protein crystallization and in situ X-ray diffraction. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2009; 65:913-20. [PMID: 19690369 PMCID: PMC2733880 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444909021489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A cyclic olefin homopolymer-based microfluidics system has been established for protein crystallization and in situ X-ray diffraction. Microfluidics is a promising technology for the rapid identification of protein crystallization conditions. However, most of the existing systems utilize silicone elastomers as the chip material which, despite its many benefits, is highly permeable to water vapour. This limits the time available for protein crystallization to less than a week. Here, the use of a cyclic olefin homopolymer-based microfluidics system for protein crystallization and in situ X-ray diffraction is described. Liquid handling in this system is performed in 2 mm thin transparent cards which contain 500 chambers, each with a volume of 320 nl. Microbatch, vapour-diffusion and free-interface diffusion protocols for protein crystallization were implemented and crystals were obtained of a number of proteins, including chicken lysozyme, bovine trypsin, a human p53 protein containing both the DNA-binding and oligomerization domains bound to DNA and a functionally important domain of Arabidopsis Morpheus’ molecule 1 (MOM1). The latter two polypeptides have not been crystallized previously. For X-ray diffraction analysis, either the cards were opened to allow mounting of the crystals on loops or the crystals were exposed to X-rays in situ. For lysozyme, an entire X-ray diffraction data set at 1.5 Å resolution was collected without removing the crystal from the card. Thus, cyclic olefin homopolymer-based microfluidics systems have the potential to further automate protein crystallization and structural genomics efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Emamzadah
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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