Studying biomolecular structure and dynamics with synchrotron radiation and neutrons

To fully understand biological systems, it is crucial to obtain detailed information about the structure, function, and dynamics of biological macromolecules, such as proteins. Often, the methods used to obtain this information require the use of large research infrastructures, such as synchrotron facilities and neutron sources. On the European scale, these facilities are mostly situated in Central Europe, and their use requires competitive application for experimental time each year. Thus, for carrying out measurements, scientists often have to travel abroad for extended times with their samples and equipment. The funding was used to travel to neutron sources, as well as to synchrotrons.

To understand biological systems, it is crucial to obtain detailed information about the structure, function, and dynamics of biological molecules, such as proteins. Often, the methods used to obtain this information require the use of large research infrastructures, such as synchrotron facilites and neutron sources. These facilities are mostly situated in Central Europe, and their use requires competitive application for experimental time. Thus, for carrying out measurements, scientists often have to travel abroad with their samples and equipment. At the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, a significant initiative has been taken to gather expertise in structural biology. The research methods repertoire will increase to include, in addition to traditional structural biology techniques, for example neutron scattering and diffraction as well as synchrotron radiation oriented CD spectroscopy. For all these methods, proper sample preparation is a crucial step of the experiment. For sample preparation, the actual measurements, and data analysis, frequent traveling to synchrotrons and neutron sources will be required. With this application, scientists at the Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, are applying for travel support to cover costs of necessary trips to European synchrotron radiation and neutron sources. The application period is 2015-2017. The results obtained during this period will significantly increase understanding of structure and dynamics in the biological systems, which are being studied at the department. At the same time, transfer of know-how will benefit both the local and the national community studying the properties of biomolecules.