Cristalografía de Proteínas

The purpose of the Protein Crystallography Facility (PXF) at the IP Montevideo is to provide equipment, training, assistance, and technological innovations for determining three-dimensional structures of protein and other macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies.

X-ray crystallography is one of the most powerful techniques to study the three-dimensional structures of macromolecules and it has transformed our understanding of biological processes. It was X-ray diffraction that provided the first clues to the structure of the DNA double helix 50 years ago, giving profound insights into how DNA is replicated. Much more recently, the whole ribosome, a huge RNA-protein assembly, has been solved at atomic resolution. It is now very clear that the knowledge of structure frequently unravels the mechanism of action of biological molecules, eventually establishing a rational framework for protein engineering or the design of specific inhibitors and drugs.

The PXF is especially supportive towards the research groups that are progressively being incorporated in the Institute. As well, it pursues an aim of strong engagement with the Uruguayan and regional (Mercosur) scientific communities.

The PXF is intimately linked to basic and applied research goals, with the strong conviction that technology is most fruitful in the context of a stimulating scientific environment. The concept of platform is being built, wherein the facility serves to intra and extramural scientific research projects.

In both cases, namely IP Montevideo as well as external users, a great flexibility is pursued, in order to agree on a case-by-case basis, on the most convenient way to use the facility. These might go from a completely autonomous user to whom a working time-slot is assigned, all the way to a highly supported service guaranteed by the PXF personnel. Corresponding fees range accordingly.

Finally, it is important to highlight that the PXF works in tight coordination with the Recombinant Proteins and the Protein Biophysics facilities, expanding the capabilities to approach any given project.