About the Practical Course
This EMBO Practical Course will cover the use of small-angle scattering (SAS) of both neutrons and X-rays for the determination of the structures of biological macromolecules and assemblies in solution. Particular attention will be paid to sample preparation and the analysis and interpretation of SAS data in a biological context. The aim of this EMBO practical course is to enable the participants to optimize the preparation of biological SAS experiments and maximise the information gained in their future experiments.
Small-angle scattering is a powerful technique for determining the structures of biological molecules and assemblies in solution. Not only can small-angle scattering provide precise information concerning the size, molecular weight, volume and shape of single molecules but it can also provide detailed information from large, multi-component macromolecular complexes. For these purposes the scattering properties of neutrons are particularly well suited. Through the use of specific isotope labelling (i.e. deuteration) techniques and solvent contrast variation it is possible to determine the structural organisation of specific components within a large macromolecular assembly.
Taking advantage of the location of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) and the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) on the same scientific campus in Grenoble, this EMBO Practical Course will focus on the complementary use of X-ray and neutron small-angle scattering for the determination of the structures of biological macromolecules. Through the use of lectures, tutorials and practicals it is intended to teach scientists new to the technique how to optimize their experiments to gain the maximum amount of information from these techniques. In particular, the EMBO Practical Course will focus on:
- Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering theory
- Sample requirements for a successful small-angle scattering experiment
- Data analysis, model building and interpretation
- Isotope labelling strategies for small-angle neutron scattering
- Analysing small-angle scattering in conjunction with data obtained from complementary techniques (NMR, SEC-MALLS)
Participants will have the opportunity to bring and measure a limited number of their own samples during the practicals on the SAXS and SANS beamlines.
About EMBO Courses and Workshops
EMBO Courses and Workshops are selected for their excellent scientific quality and timelines, provision of good networking activities for all participants and speaker gender diversity (at least 40% of speakers must be from the underrepresented gender).
Organisers are encouraged to implement measures to make the meeting environmentally more sustainable.
