It turns out that nearly every molecule of protein produced in your body has to be folded into a specific, three-dimensional shape in order to function properly. Humans produce thousands of proteins, each with a distinct function and shape. Some resemble convoluted pretzels, while others are woven into intricate braids.
X-ray crytallography images of the protein, hemoglobin, for example, reveal a complex molecule resembling a ball of twisted ribbon - a unique shape that allows hemoglobin to carry oxygen through the bloodstream. If the molecule is folded incorrectly, oxygen will not be delivered.
According to JCSG, detailed, three-dimensional images of proteins will give researchers a clearer picture of how protein structure and function are interrelated.
"Structural genomics will allow researchers from the life, physical and medical sciences to gain a deeper understanding of basic life processes, evolution and disease" comments SSRL Professor Peter Kuhn.
"Synchrotron-based macromolecular crystallography has revolutionized our ability to determine structures with much higher quality and at a much faster rate than ever before possible," adds Keith Hodgson, SSRL director and Stanford professor of chemistry.
"New developments in robotics and software at JCSG will be a central component in achieving our goals," he concludes.
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Contact: Mark Shwartz
mshwartz@stanford.edu
650-723-9296
Stanford University
26-Sep-2000