Synchrotron X-ray footprinting on tour

Area of Science:

• Structural biology
• Biophysical chemistry
• Macromolecular science

Background:

• Synchrotron footprinting is crucial for elucidating macromolecular structure and dynamics in solution.
• Currently, only one dedicated facility (X28C at NSLS) exists in the USA, limiting broader access.
• Complex biological systems can be studied using the specialized X28C beamline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a beamline-flexible synchrotron footprinting program.
• To determine if general user synchrotron facilities can support footprinting experiments.
• To expand the accessibility of synchrotron footprinting beyond specialized beamlines.

Main Methods:

• A standardized sample was transported to multiple US synchrotron facilities.
• Experiments were conducted using a simple, transportable apparatus.
• Beamlines at NSLS, CHESS, APS, and ALS were utilized in general user mode.

Main Results:

• Synchrotron footprinting experiments yielded useful results at unspecialized beamlines.
• The developed apparatus proved effective and adaptable across different synchrotron facilities.
• Demonstrated the viability of a distributed synchrotron footprinting network.

Conclusions:

• Synchrotron footprinting can be successfully implemented at various US synchrotron facilities using a portable setup.
• This approach significantly broadens the accessibility of this powerful technique for structural biology research.
• Facilitates wider application of footprinting for studying macromolecular structure and dynamics.