Neutron scattering: a tool to detect in vivo thermal stress effects at the molecular dynamics level in micro-organisms

J R Soc Interface. 2013 Feb 27;10(82):20130003. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2013.0003. Print 2013 May 6.

Abstract

In vivo molecular dynamics in Halobacterium salinarum cells under stress conditions was measured by neutron scattering experiments coupled with microbiological characterization. Molecular dynamics alterations were detected with respect to unstressed cells, reflecting a softening of protein structures consistent with denaturation. The experiments indicated that the neutron scattering method provides a promising tool to study molecular dynamics modifications in the proteome of living cells induced by factors altering protein folds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Archaeal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Halobacterium salinarum / cytology
  • Halobacterium salinarum / metabolism*
  • Heat-Shock Response / physiology*
  • Neutrons
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Proteome / metabolism*
  • Scattering, Radiation

Substances

  • Archaeal Proteins
  • Proteome