Abstract - Scott Lovell

Gene to Structure: Utilizing X-Ray Crystallography to Support Chemical Biology

X-ray crystallography is a commonly utilized technique for providing essential high resolution structural information for researchers studying various proteins.  Details that can be obtained from a protein structure determination include metal binding characteristics, protein-protein interactions, protein-ligand interactions and inhibitor binding modes.  Since X-ray crystallography is a somewhat specialized field, investigators routinely collaborate with structural biologists but are often unfamiliar with the methods utilized for structure determination.  Specific examples will be presented that highlight the importance of obtaining structural information to gain mechanistic and functional insight of proteins.  Additionally, the usefulness of incorporating structural biology techniques to probe the effects of small molecules on protein structure/function and to facilitate drug discovery efforts will be highlighted.