Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Crystallizing Membrane Proteins for Structure Determination using Lipidic Mesophases
Published on: November 21, 2010
Recent innovations in membrane-protein structural biology
1School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
New innovations allow scientists to study the structural properties of membrane proteins using smaller crystals. Advances in X-ray diffraction and cryo-electron microscopy offer unprecedented opportunities for structural biology research.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Determining three-dimensional structures of membrane proteins traditionally requires large crystals (≥100 μm) for X-ray diffraction.
- Obtaining suitable crystals for membrane proteins has been a significant challenge in structural studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight recent innovations enabling the study of membrane protein structures.
- To discuss new opportunities for exploring membrane protein structural properties and dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Micro-focus X-ray beams and X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) allow the use of submicrometer-sized crystals.
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) advancements facilitate studies of both protein crystals and individual proteins as single particles.
Main Results:
- These technological advancements overcome previous limitations in crystal size for membrane protein structure determination.
- New experimental approaches provide enhanced capabilities for investigating membrane protein structural properties.
Conclusions:
- Innovations in X-ray diffraction and cryo-electron microscopy are revolutionizing membrane protein structural studies.
- These techniques offer unprecedented opportunities to explore the structural dynamics of membrane proteins during function.
More Related Videos
09:23Assessing Two-dimensional Crystallization Trials of Small Membrane Proteins for Structural Biology Studies by Electron Crystallography
Published on: October 29, 2010
08:46Green Fluorescent Protein-based Expression Screening of Membrane Proteins in Escherichia coli
Published on: January 6, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
Introduction to Membrane Proteins
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Structural Protein Function
Protein and Protein Structures
Membrane Proteins