Selenium single-wavelength anomalous diffraction de novo phasing using an X-ray-free electron laser

Nat Commun. 2016 Nov 4:7:13388. doi: 10.1038/ncomms13388.

Abstract

Structural information about biological macromolecules near the atomic scale provides important insight into the functions of these molecules. To date, X-ray crystallography has been the predominant method used for macromolecular structure determination. However, challenges exist when solving structures with X-rays, including the phase problem and radiation damage. X-ray-free electron lasers (X-ray FELs) have enabled collection of diffraction information before the onset of radiation damage, yet the majority of structures solved at X-ray FELs have been phased using external information via molecular replacement. De novo phasing at X-ray FELs has proven challenging due in part to per-pulse variations in intensity and wavelength. Here we report the solution of a selenobiotinyl-streptavidin structure using phases obtained by the anomalous diffraction of selenium measured at a single wavelength (Se-SAD) at the Linac Coherent Light Source. Our results demonstrate Se-SAD, routinely employed at synchrotrons for novel structure determination, is now possible at X-ray FELs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Biotin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Biotin / chemistry
  • Crystallography, X-Ray / instrumentation
  • Crystallography, X-Ray / methods*
  • Electrons*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Lasers*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • Selenium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • selenobiotinyl streptavidin
  • Biotin
  • Selenium