Making the step from chemistry to biology and back

GPU-powered tools boost molecular visualization

Recent advances in experimental structure determination provide a wealth of structural data on huge macromolecular assemblies such as the ribosome or viral capsids, available in public databases. Further structural models arise from reconstructions using symmetry orders or fitting crystal structures into low-resolution maps obtained by electron-microscopy or small angle X-ray scattering experiments. Visual inspection of these huge structures remains an important way of unravelling some of their secrets. However, such visualization cannot conveniently be carried out using conventional rendering approaches, either due to performance limitations or due to lack of realism. Recent developments, in particular drawing benefit from the capabilities of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), herald the next generation of molecular visualization solutions addressing these issues. In this article, we present advances in computer science and visualization that help biologists visualize, understand and manipulate large and complex molecular systems, introducing concepts that remain little-known in the bioinformatics field. Furthermore, we compile currently available software and methods enhancing the shape perception of such macromolecular assemblies, for example based on surface simplification or lighting ameliorations.

Visualization of macromolecular structures

Structural biology is rapidly accumulating a wealth of detailed information about protein function, binding sites, RNA, large assemblies and molecular motions. These data are increasingly of interest to a broader community of life scientists, not just structural experts. Visualization is a primary means for accessing and using these data, yet visualization is also a stumbling block that prevents many life scientists from benefiting from three-dimensional structural data. In this review, we focus on key biological questions where visualizing three-dimensional structures can provide insight and describe available methods and tools.

Artophagy: the art of autophagy--the Cvt pathway

Science informs art, and art informs science. Both processes involve creativity and imagination, and collaboration between scientists and artists often leads to new insights in both fields. We took advantage of the power of artistic imagery to demonstrate a dynamic cellular process, autophagy. In particular, we depicted the cytoplasm to vacuole targeting pathway, which involves dynamic membrane rearrangements to sequester a specific cargo via an autophagy-related process. By depicting this event in the context of a crowded cellular milieu, we hoped to stimulate researchers to consider aspects of the process that might be overlooked in the overly simplistic schematic drawing that typify most scientific models.