scholarly journals Smaller capillaries improve the small-angle X-ray scattering signal and sample consumption for biomacromolecular solutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1113-1122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin A. Schroer ◽  
Clement E. Blanchet ◽  
Andrey Yu. Gruzinov ◽  
Melissa A. Gräwert ◽  
Martha E. Brennich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Angle ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Protein Solutions ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Saxs Data ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Ray Scattering

Radiation damage by intense X-ray beams at modern synchrotron facilities is one of the major complications for biological small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) investigations of macromolecules in solution. To limit the damage, samples are typically measured under a laminar flow through a cell (typically a capillary) such that fresh solution is continuously exposed to the beam during measurement. The diameter of the capillary that optimizes the scattering-to-absorption ratio at a given X-ray wavelength can be calculated a priori based on fundamental physical properties. However, these well established scattering and absorption principles do not take into account the radiation susceptibility of the sample or the often very limited amounts of precious biological material available for an experiment. Here it is shown that, for biological solution SAXS, capillaries with smaller diameters than those calculated from simple scattering/absorption criteria allow for a better utilization of the available volumes of radiation-sensitive samples. This is demonstrated by comparing two capillary diameters d i (d i = 1.7 mm, close to optimal for 10 keV; and d i = 0.9 mm, which is nominally sub-optimal) applied to study different protein solutions at various flow rates. The use of the smaller capillaries ultimately allows one to collect higher-quality SAXS data from the limited amounts of purified biological macromolecules.

Quality control of protein standards for molecular mass determinations by small-angle X-ray scattering

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuji Akiyama
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Molecular Mass ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Average Deviation ◽  
Saxs Data ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Standard Quality ◽  
Ray Scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a powerful technique with which to evaluate the size and shape of biological macromolecules in solution. Forward scattering intensity normalized relative to the particle concentration,I(0)/c, is useful as a good measure of molecular mass. A general method for deducing the molecular mass from SAXS data is to determine the ratio ofI(0)/cof a target protein to that of a standard protein with known molecular mass. The accuracy of this interprotein calibration is affected considerably by the monodispersity of the prepared standard, as well as by the precision in estimating its concentration. In the present study, chromatographic fractionation followed by hydrodynamic characterization is proposed as an effective procedure by which to prepare a series of monodispersed protein standards. The estimation of molecular mass within an average deviation of 8% is demonstrated using monodispersed bovine serum albumin as a standard. The present results demonstrate the importance of protein standard quality control in order to take full advantage of interprotein calibration.

Multi-channelin situdynamic light scattering instrumentation enhancing biological small-angle X-ray scattering experiments at the PETRA III beamline P12

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Falke ◽  
Karsten Dierks ◽  
Clement Blanchet ◽  
Melissa Graewert ◽  
Florent Cipriani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Scattering ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Saxs Data ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Ray Scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis of biomolecules is increasingly common with a constantly high demand for comprehensive and efficient sample quality control prior to SAXS experiments. As monodisperse sample suspensions are desirable for SAXS experiments, latest dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques are most suited to obtain non-invasive and rapid information about the particle size distribution of molecules in solution. A multi-receiver four-channel DLS system was designed and adapted at the BioSAXS endstation of the EMBL beamline P12 at PETRA III (DESY, Hamburg, Germany). The system allows the collection of DLS data within round-shaped sample capillaries used at beamline P12. Data obtained provide information about the hydrodynamic radius of biological particles in solution and dispersity of the solution. DLS data can be collected directly prior to and during an X-ray exposure. To match the short X-ray exposure times of around 1 s for 20 exposures at P12, the DLS data collection periods that have been used up to now of 20 s or commonly more were substantially reduced, using a novel multi-channel approach collecting DLS data sets in the SAXS sample capillary at four different neighbouring sample volume positions in parallel. The setup allows online scoring of sample solutions applied for SAXS experiments, supports SAXS data evaluation and for example indicates local inhomogeneities in a sample solution in a time-efficient manner. Biological macromolecules with different molecular weights were applied to test the system and obtain information about the performance. All measured hydrodynamic radii are in good agreement with DLS results obtained by employing a standard cuvette instrument. Moreover, applying the new multi-channel DLS setup, a reliable radius determination of sample solutions in flow, at flow rates normally used for size-exclusion chromatography–SAXS experiments, and at higher flow rates, was verified as well. This study also shows and confirms that the newly designed sample compartment with attached DLS instrumentation does not disturb SAXS measurements.

scholarly journals ASAXS measurements on ferritin and apoferritin at the bioSAXS beamline P12 (PETRA III, DESY)

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. F. Wieland ◽  
M. A. Schroer ◽  
A. Yu. Gruzinov ◽  
C. E. Blanchet ◽  
C. M. Jeffries ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Angle ◽  
Protein Solutions ◽  
Anomalous Scattering ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Protein Cages ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Structural Details ◽  
Ray Scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering is widely utilized to study biological macromolecules in solution. For samples containing specific (e.g. metal) atoms, additional information can be obtained using anomalous scattering. Here, measuring samples at different energies close to the absorption edges of relevant elements provides specific structural details. However, anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS) applications to dilute macromolecular solutions are challenging owing to the overall low anomalous scattering effect. Here, pilot ASAXS experiments from dilute solutions of ferritin and cobalt-loaded apoferritin are reported. These samples were investigated near the resonance X-ray K edges of Fe and Co, respectively, at the EMBL P12 bioSAXS beamline at PETRA III, DESY. Thanks to the high brilliance of the P12 beamline, ASAXS experiments are feasible on dilute protein solutions, allowing one to extract the Fe- or Co-specific anomalous dispersion terms from the ASAXS data. The data were subsequently used to determine the spatial distribution of either iron or cobalt atoms incorporated into the ferritin/apoferritin protein cages.

Structural refinement by restrained molecular-dynamics algorithm with small-angle X-ray scattering constraints for a biomolecule

2004 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaki Kojima ◽  
Alexander A. Timchenko ◽  
Junichi Higo ◽  
Kazuki Ito ◽  
Hiroshi Kihara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
Saxs Data ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Saxs Curve ◽  
Restrained Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Ray Scattering

A new algorithm to refine protein structures in solution from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data was developed based on restrained molecular dynamics (MD). In the method, the sum of squared differences between calculated and observed SAXS intensities was used as a constraint energy function, and the calculation was started from given atomic coordinates, such as those of the crystal. In order to reduce the contribution of the hydration effect to the deviation from the experimental (objective) curve during the dynamics, and purely as an estimate of the efficiency of the algorithm, the calculation was first performed assuming the SAXS curve corresponding to the crystal structure as the objective curve. Next, the calculation was carried out with `real' experimental data, which yielded a structure that satisfied the experimental SAXS curve well. The SAXS data for ribonuclease T1, a single-chain globular protein, were used for the calculation, along with its crystal structure. The results showed that the present algorithm was very effective in the refinement and adjustment of the initial structure so that it could satisfy the objective SAXS data.

scholarly journals REGALS: a general method to deconvolve X-ray scattering data from evolving mixtures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve P. Meisburger ◽  
Da Xu ◽  
Nozomi Ando
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Scattering Data ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Open Source Software Package ◽  
Saxs Analysis ◽  
Structural Methods ◽  
Ray Scattering

AbstractMixtures of biological macromolecules are inherently difficult to study using structural methods, as increasing complexity presents new challenges for data analysis. Recently, there has been growing interest in studying evolving mixtures using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in conjunction with time-resolved, high-throughput, or chromatography-coupled setups. Deconvolution and interpretation of the resulting datasets, however, are nontrivial when neither the scattering components nor the way in which they evolve are known a priori. To address this issue, we introduce the REGALS method (REGularized Alternating Least Squares), which incorporates simple expectations about the data as prior knowledge and utilizes parameterization and regularization to provide robust deconvolution solutions. The restraints used by REGALS are general properties such as smoothness of profiles and maximum dimensions of species, which makes it well-suited for exploring datasets with unknown species. Here we apply REGALS to analyze experimental data from four types of SAXS experiment: anion-exchange (AEX) coupled SAXS, ligand titration, time-resolved mixing, and time-resolved temperature jump. Based on its performance with these challenging datasets, we anticipate that REGALS will be a valuable addition to the SAXS analysis toolkit and enable new experiments. The software is implemented in both MATLAB and python and is available freely as an open-source software package.

scholarly journals The new NCPSS BL19U2 beamline at the SSRF for small-angle X-ray scattering from biological macromolecules in solution

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1428-1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Li ◽  
Xiuhong Li ◽  
Yuzhu Wang ◽  
Guangfeng Liu ◽  
Ping Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Processing ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Silicon Crystal ◽  
High Dynamic Range ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Ray Scattering

The beamline BL19U2 is located in the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) and is its first beamline dedicated to biological material small-angle X-ray scattering (BioSAXS). The electrons come from an undulator which can provide high brilliance for the BL19U2 end stations. A double flat silicon crystal (111) monochromator is used in BL19U2, with a tunable monochromatic photon energy ranging from 7 to 15 keV. To meet the rapidly growing demands of crystallographers, biochemists and structural biologists, the BioSAXS beamline allows manual and automatic sample loading/unloading. A Pilatus 1M detector (Dectris) is employed for data collection, characterized by a high dynamic range and a short readout time. The highly automated data processing pipeline SASFLOW was integrated into BL19U2, with help from the BioSAXS group of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL, Hamburg), which provides a user-friendly interface for data processing. The BL19U2 beamline was officially opened to users in March 2015. To date, feedback from users has been positive and the number of experimental proposals at BL19U2 is increasing. A description of the new BioSAXS beamline and the setup characteristics is given, together with examples of data obtained.

Recent developments in small-angle X-ray scattering and hybrid method approaches for biomacromolecular solutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin A. Schroer ◽  
Dmitri I. Svergun
Keyword(s):  
Small Angle ◽  
Scattering Data ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Analysis Methods ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Ray Scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has become a streamline method to characterize biological macromolecules, from small peptides to supramolecular complexes, in near-native solutions. Modern SAXS requires limited amounts of purified material, without the need for labelling, crystallization, or freezing. Dedicated beamlines at modern synchrotron sources yield high-quality data within or below several milliseconds of exposure time and are highly automated, allowing for rapid structural screening under different solutions and ambient conditions but also for time-resolved studies of biological processes. The advanced data analysis methods allow one to meaningfully interpret the scattering data from monodisperse systems, from transient complexes as well as flexible and heterogeneous systems in terms of structural models. Especially powerful are hybrid approaches utilizing SAXS with high-resolution structural techniques, but also with biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods. Here, we review the recent developments in the experimental SAXS practice and in analysis methods with a specific focus on the joint use of SAXS with complementary methods.

Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering for the Discerning Macromolecular Crystallographer

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 1786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lachlan W. Casey ◽  
Alan E. Mark ◽  
Bostjan Kobe
Keyword(s):  
Structural Biology ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Macromolecular Crystallography ◽  
Saxs Data ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Ray Scattering

The role of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in structural biology is now well established, and its usefulness in combination with macromolecular crystallography is clear. However, the highly averaged SAXS data present a significant risk of over-interpretation to the unwary practitioner, and it can be challenging to frame SAXS results in a manner that maximises the reliability of the conclusions drawn. In this review, a series of recent examples are used to illustrate both the challenges for interpretation and approaches through which these can be overcome.

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