Abstract
The Center for Structural Molecular Biology (CSMB) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing facilities and techniques for the characterization and analysis of biological systems at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). The cornerstone of the effort is a small-angle neutron scattering instrument (Bio-SANS) currently under construction at HFIR that will be dedicated to the analysis of the structure, function and dynamics of complex biological systems. In support of this program, we are developing advanced computational tools for neutron analysis and modeling, alongside a supporting biophysical characterization and X-ray scattering infrastructure. Specifically, we established a Bio-Deuteration Laboratory for in vivo production of H/D-labeled macromolecules that will permit selected parts of macromolecular structures to be highlighted and analyzed in situ using neutron scattering. These new facilities will make ORNL a world-leading scientific center and user facility for neutron-based studies of biomolecular structure and function.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 880-882 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Physica B: Physics of Condensed Matter |
| Volume | 385-386 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 15 2006 |
Funding
Supported by the Office of Biological and Environmental Research of the US Department of Energy under Contract no. DE-AC05-00OR22725 with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed and operated by UT-Batelle, LLC. The Center for Structural Molecular Biology (CSMB) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing dedicated facilities for neutron characterization of proteins and protein complexes. The initial focus is construction of a 35-m small-angle neutron scattering (Bio-SANS) instrument at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), funded by the DOE Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The Bio-SANS instrument combines high flux on the sample with a low instrumental background and will be used to study the structure, interactions and functions of biomolecular complexes in solution. Bio-SANS is complemented by a 40-m SANS that is supported by the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences. These instruments will provide the scientific community with a comprehensive range of capabilities for studying natural and synthetic polymers as well as nanoscale materials. Both SANS instruments will have variable wavelength and large area (1 m 2 ) high count-rate detectors that can translate 45 cm off-axis, providing an increased dynamic Q-range (10 15 neutrons/s cm 2 that will provide world-class neutron beam intensities (up to 10 7 neutrons/s cm 2 ). Bio-SANS will be unique as the only SANS instrument in the world that is dedicated to structural biology.
Keywords
- Deuterium labeling
- Modeling
- Protein complexes
- SANS