Small-angle scattering studies of macromolecular solutions

Abstract

In recent years, major progress has been achieved in developing novel approaches to interpret small-angle scattering data from solutions of biological macromolecules in terms of three-dimensional models. These advanced methods include: ab initio low-resolution shape and domain structure determination; modelling of quaternary structure by rigid-body refinement; simultaneous analysis of multiple scattering patterns, e.g. from contrast variation in neutron scattering to study multicomponent complexes; validation of high-resolution models; and addition of missing loops and domains. The new techniques will be presented and practical applications of the methods are illustrated by recent examples. The use of additional information from other methods, joint applications of X-ray and neutron scattering, and the possibilities for assessing and validating the models constructed based on small-angle scattering data will be discussed.

Investigating Macromolecular Complexes in Solution by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering

“…The situations presented here are just a small representation of possibilities for the applications of these modeling tools. Advanced modeling examples based on these procedures can be found in several articles in the literature (Svergun, 2007). An intrinsic problem of any SAXS modeling is the ambiguity that might arises in the results.…”

“…A simultaneous modeling of SAXS and NRM data was proposed by Mareuil and co-workers in the program DADIMODO (Mareiul et al, 2007). Also, automatic tools for the use of complementarity between SAXS and NMR is been currently developed in connection with the SAXIER project (Svergun, 2007;Svergun, 2009). .…”

Small-angle scattering and its interplay with crystallography, contrast variation in SAXS and SANS

“…In an alternative approach (Svergun et al, 2001;Svergun, 2007), the protein is represented by an assembly of dummy residues instead of beads, whereby each residue has a form factor equal to that Acta Cryst. residue in water.…”

The Structure of Sindbis Virus Produced from Vertebrate and Invertebrate Hosts as Determined by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

“…Small-angle scattering methods, which probe length scales ranging from 1 to 100 nm, are ideally suited to characterizing the structure of virus particles in solution (40,(51)(52)(53). While they do not provide structural information at atomic resolution, these techniques are very sensitive to the size and shape of biological macromolecules and complexes.…”