Open AccessVisualization of membrane protein crystals in lipid cubic phase using X‐ray imaging
Author(s) -
Warren Anna J.,
Armour Wes,
Axford Danny,
Basham Mark,
Connolley Thomas,
Hall David R.,
Horrell Sam,
McAuley Katherine E.,
Mykhaylyk Vitaliy,
Wagner Armin,
Evans Gwyndaf
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta crystallographica section d
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1399-0047
DOI - 10.1107/s0907444913011359
Subject(s) - opacity , beamline , synchrotron , diffraction , raster scan , materials science , x ray , optics , phase (matter) , visualization , x ray crystallography , diamond , radiography , raster graphics , protein crystallization , resolution (logic) , crystallography , beam (structure) , computer science , chemistry , computer graphics (images) , crystallization , physics , artificial intelligence , organic chemistry , nuclear physics , composite material
The focus in macromolecular crystallography is moving towards even more challenging target proteins that often crystallize on much smaller scales and are frequently mounted in opaque or highly refractive materials. It is therefore essential that X‐ray beamline technology develops in parallel to accommodate such difficult samples. In this paper, the use of X‐ray microradiography and microtomography is reported as a tool for crystal visualization, location and characterization on the macromolecular crystallography beamlines at the Diamond Light Source. The technique is particularly useful for microcrystals and for crystals mounted in opaque materials such as lipid cubic phase. X‐ray diffraction raster scanning can be used in combination with radiography to allow informed decision‐making at the beamline prior to diffraction data collection. It is demonstrated that the X‐ray dose required for a full tomography measurement is similar to that for a diffraction grid‐scan, but for sample location and shape estimation alone just a few radiographic projections may be required.