Photoswitch dissociation from a G protein-coupled receptor resolved by time-resolved serial crystallography.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface receptors in humans. The binding and dissociation of ligands tunes the inherent conformational flexibility of these important drug targets towards distinct functional states. Here we show how to trigger and resolve protein-ligand interaction dynamics within the human adenosine A receptor.

Structural effects of high laser power densities on an early bacteriorhodopsin photocycle intermediate.

Time-resolved serial crystallography at X-ray Free Electron Lasers offers the opportunity to observe ultrafast photochemical reactions at the atomic level. The technique has yielded exciting molecular insights into various biological processes including light sensing and photochemical energy conversion. However, to achieve sufficient levels of activation within an optically dense crystal, high laser power densities are often used, which has led to an ongoing debate to which extent photodamage may compromise interpretation of the results.

A multi-reservoir extruder for time-resolved serial protein crystallography and compound screening at X-ray free-electron lasers.

Serial crystallography at X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) permits the determination of radiation-damage free static as well as time-resolved protein structures at room temperature. Efficient sample delivery is a key factor for such experiments. Here, we describe a multi-reservoir, high viscosity extruder as a step towards automation of sample delivery at XFELs.

Functional Anatomy of the Thoracic Limb of the Komodo Dragon ().

Since the Komodo dragon has been included on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, it is crucial to know in detail its biology as there is a limited availability of research material on these animals-mainly those who died in zoos or whose remains were found in the wild. Anatomy is essential for understanding physiology, identification of diseases, adaptations in the environment, and behavior. In this dissection study, the relationship of individual anatomical structures was analyzed, the anatomy of the active and passive movement system of the thoracic limb was described, photographs were taken, and a radiographic examination was conducted.

Micro-structured polymer fixed targets for serial crystallography at synchrotrons and XFELs.

Fixed targets are a popular form of sample-delivery system used in serial crystallography at synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser sources. They offer a wide range of sample-preparation options and are generally easy to use. The supports are typically made from silicon, quartz or polymer.

Acoustic levitation and rotation of thin films and their application for room temperature protein crystallography.

Acoustic levitation has attracted attention in terms of chemical and biochemical analysis in combination with various analytical methods because of its unique container-less environment for samples that is not reliant on specific material characteristics. However, loading samples with very high viscosity is difficult. To expand the scope, we propose the use of polymer thin films as sample holders, whereby the sample is dispensed on a film that is subsequently loaded onto an acoustic levitator.

Approaching disorder-free transport in high-mobility conjugated polymers.

Conjugated polymers enable the production of flexible semiconductor devices that can be processed from solution at low temperatures. Over the past 25 years, device performance has improved greatly as a wide variety of molecular structures have been studied. However, one major limitation has not been overcome; transport properties in polymer films are still limited by pervasive conformational and energetic disorder.