Dmitri I. Svergun, Michel H. J. Koch, Peter A. Timmins, and Roland P. May
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199639533
- eISBN:
- 9780191747731
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199639533.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Crystallography: Physics
Small angle scattering of X-rays (SAXS) and neutrons (SANS) is an established method for the structural characterisation of biological objects in a broad size-range from individual macromolecules ...
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Small angle scattering of X-rays (SAXS) and neutrons (SANS) is an established method for the structural characterisation of biological objects in a broad size-range from individual macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids) to large macromolecular complexes. The last decade has seen a renaissance in the study of low-resolution structure of native macromolecules in solution which provides overall particle shapes ab initio and is able to rapidly assess the oligomeric states of proteins and complexes. SAXS/SANS is complementary to the high-resolution methods of X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance, allowing for hybrid modelling and also accounting for available biophysical and biochemical data. Quantitative characterisation of flexible macromolecular systems and mixtures has recently become possible. SAXS/SANS measurements can be performed easily in different conditions, adding ligands or changing physical and/or chemical parameters. This also provides kinetic information about processes such as folding and assembly, and allows one to analyse intermolecular interactions. The major factors promoting the increasing use of SAXS/SANS are modern high-brilliance X-ray and neutron sources, novel data-analysis methods and automation of the experiment, data processing and interpretation. In this book, following the presentation of the basics of scattering from macromolecular solutions, modern instrumentation, experimental practice and advanced analysis techniques are explained. Advantages of X-rays (rapid data collection, small sample volumes) and of neutrons (contrast variation by hydrogen/deuterium exchange) are specifically highlighted. Examples of applications of the technique to different macromolecular systems are considered, with specific emphasis on the synergistic use of SAXS/SANS with other structural, biophysical and computational techniques.Less
Small angle scattering of X-rays (SAXS) and neutrons (SANS) is an established method for the structural characterisation of biological objects in a broad size-range from individual macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids) to large macromolecular complexes. The last decade has seen a renaissance in the study of low-resolution structure of native macromolecules in solution which provides overall particle shapes ab initio and is able to rapidly assess the oligomeric states of proteins and complexes. SAXS/SANS is complementary to the high-resolution methods of X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance, allowing for hybrid modelling and also accounting for available biophysical and biochemical data. Quantitative characterisation of flexible macromolecular systems and mixtures has recently become possible. SAXS/SANS measurements can be performed easily in different conditions, adding ligands or changing physical and/or chemical parameters. This also provides kinetic information about processes such as folding and assembly, and allows one to analyse intermolecular interactions. The major factors promoting the increasing use of SAXS/SANS are modern high-brilliance X-ray and neutron sources, novel data-analysis methods and automation of the experiment, data processing and interpretation. In this book, following the presentation of the basics of scattering from macromolecular solutions, modern instrumentation, experimental practice and advanced analysis techniques are explained. Advantages of X-rays (rapid data collection, small sample volumes) and of neutrons (contrast variation by hydrogen/deuterium exchange) are specifically highlighted. Examples of applications of the technique to different macromolecular systems are considered, with specific emphasis on the synergistic use of SAXS/SANS with other structural, biophysical and computational techniques.
