This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Powder diffraction studies applied to biological macromolecules has been gaining interest in recent years. The pioneering work of Dr. Von Dreele has been building renewed interest in the technique. He has demonstrated that powder data could be used in combination with molecular replacement techniques to solve macromolecular structures. In some cases the powder microcrystals have been produced in different spacegroups. The technique is still in its early stages and appears to be worth investigating. In the initial experiments on 8BM, we have attempted to use the more qualitative aspect of powder patterns as early leads to pursue in crystallization attempts. One of the current trends in macromolecular crystallography is the pursuit of samples that consist of increasingly more complex assemblies of proteins or membrane protein. Another trend is efficient high throughput crystallography, structural genomics. A common aspect of the two is efficient use of sample materials for screening crystallization conditions. We are developing tools for quick screening of crystallization conditions. We plan on continuing these investigations as well as pursue the limits of the powder diffraction techniques.
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