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Instruments / Technical Area	Publication Details	Published
I04-Macromolecular Crystallography	Diselenide crosslinks for enhanced and simplified oxidative protein folding Reem Mousa , Taghreed Hidmi , Sergei Pomyalov , Shifra Lansky , Lareen Khouri , Deborah E. Shalev , Gil Shoham , Norman Metanis Communications Chemistry 4 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-021-00463-9 Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: The in vitro oxidative folding of proteins has been studied for over sixty years, providing critical insight into protein folding mechanisms. Hirudin, the most potent natural inhibitor of thrombin, is a 65-residue protein with three disulfide bonds, and is viewed as a folding model for a wide range of disulfide-rich proteins. Hirudin’s folding pathway is notorious for its highly heterogeneous intermediates and scrambled isomers, limiting its folding rate and yield in vitro. Aiming to overcome these limitations, we undertake systematic investigation of diselenide bridges at native and non-native positions and investigate their effect on hirudin’s folding, structure and activity. Our studies demonstrate that, regardless of the specific positions of these substitutions, the diselenide crosslinks enhanced the folding rate and yield of the corresponding hirudin analogues, while reducing the complexity and heterogeneity of the process. Moreover, crystal structure analysis confirms that the diselenide substitutions maintained the overall three-dimensional structure of the protein and left its function virtually unchanged. The choice of hirudin as a study model has implications beyond its specific folding mechanism, demonstrating the high potential of diselenide substitutions in the design, preparation and characterization of disulfide-rich proteins.	Mar 2021
I22-Small angle scattering & Diffraction	Alkanes increase the stability of early life membrane models under extreme pressure and temperature conditions Loreto Misuraca , Bruno Deme , Philippe Oger , Judith Peters Communications Chemistry 4 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-021-00467-5 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [23722] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Terrestrial life appeared on our planet within a time window of [4.4–3.5] billion years ago. During that time, it is suggested that the first proto-cellular forms developed in the surrounding of deep-sea hydrothermal vents, oceanic crust fractures that are still present nowadays. However, these environments are characterized by extreme temperature and pressure conditions that question the early membrane compartment’s capability to endure a stable structural state. Recent studies proposed an adaptive strategy employed by present-day extremophiles: the use of apolar molecules as structural membrane components in order to tune the bilayer dynamic response when needed. Here we extend this hypothesis on early life protomembrane models, using linear and branched alkanes as apolar stabilizing molecules of prebiotic relevance. The structural ordering and chain dynamics of these systems have been investigated as a function of temperature and pressure. We found that both types of alkanes studied, even the simplest linear ones, impact highly the multilamellar vesicle ordering and chain dynamics. Our data show that alkane-enriched membranes have a lower multilamellar vesicle swelling induced by the temperature increase and are significantly less affected by pressure variation as compared to alkane-free samples, suggesting a possible survival strategy for the first living forms.	Feb 2021
I03-Macromolecular Crystallography	Single step syntheses of (1S)-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinolines by norcoclaurine synthases Rebecca Roddan , Altin Sula , Daniel Méndez-sánchez , Fabiana Subrizi , Benjamin R. Lichman , Joseph Broomfield , Michael Richter , Jennifer N. Andexer , John M. Ward , Nicholas Keep , Helen C. Hailes Communications Chemistry 3 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-00416-8 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [23583] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: The 1-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1-aryl-THIQ) moiety is found in many biologically active molecules. Single enantiomer chemical syntheses are challenging and although some biocatalytic routes have been reported, the substrate scope is limited to certain structural motifs. The enzyme norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), involved in plant alkaloid biosynthesis, has been shown to perform stereoselective Pictet–Spengler reactions between dopamine and several carbonyl substrates. Here, benzaldehydes are explored as substrates and found to be accepted by both wild-type and mutant constructs of NCS. In particular, the variant M97V gives a range of (1 S)-aryl-THIQs in high yields (48–99%) and e.e.s (79–95%). A co-crystallised structure of the M97V variant with an active site reaction intermediate analogue is also obtained with the ligand in a pre-cyclisation conformation, consistent with (1 S)-THIQs formation. Selected THIQs are then used with catechol O-methyltransferases with exceptional regioselectivity. This work demonstrates valuable biocatalytic approaches to a range of (1 S)-THIQs.	Nov 2020
I09-Surface and Interface Structural Analysis	Structural characterisation of molecular conformation and the incorporation of adatoms in an on-surface Ullmann-type reaction Chris J. Judd , Filipe L. Q. Junqueira , Sarah L. Haddow , Neil R. Champness , David A. Duncan , Robert G. Jones , Alex Saywell Communications Chemistry 3 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-00402-0 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [18752] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: The on-surface synthesis of covalently bonded materials differs from solution-phase synthesis in several respects. The transition from a three-dimensional reaction volume to quasi-two-dimensional confinement, as is the case for on-surface synthesis, has the potential to facilitate alternative reaction pathways to those available in solution. Ullmann-type reactions, where the surface plays a role in the coupling of aryl-halide functionalised species, has been shown to facilitate extended one- and two-dimensional structures. Here we employ a combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray standing wave (XSW) analysis to perform a chemical and structural characterisation of the Ullmann-type coupling of two iodine functionalised species on a Ag(111) surface held under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Our results allow characterisation of molecular conformations and adsorption geometries within an on-surface reaction and provide insight into the incorporation of metal adatoms within the intermediate structures of the reaction.	Nov 2020
I04-1-Macromolecular Crystallography (fixed wavelength)	Rapid optimisation of fragments and hits to lead compounds from screening of crude reaction mixtures Lisa M. Baker , Anthony Aimon , James B. Murray , Allan E. Surgenor , Natalia Matassova , Stephen D. Roughley , Patrick M. Collins , Tobias Krojer , Frank Von Delft , Roderick E. Hubbard Communications Chemistry 3 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-00367-0 Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Fragment based methods are now widely used to identify starting points in drug discovery and generation of tools for chemical biology. A significant challenge is optimization of these weak binding fragments to hit and lead compounds. We have developed an approach where individual reaction mixtures of analogues of hits can be evaluated without purification of the product. Here, we describe experiments to optimise the processes and then assess such mixtures in the high throughput crystal structure determination facility, XChem. Diffraction data for crystals of the proteins Hsp90 and PDHK2 soaked individually with 83 crude reaction mixtures are analysed manually or with the automated XChem procedures. The results of structural analysis are compared with binding measurements from other biophysical techniques. This approach can transform early hit to lead optimisation and the lessons learnt from this study provide a protocol that can be used by the community.	Sep 2020
B21-High Throughput SAXS B23-Circular Dichroism	Revealing the complexity of ionic liquid–protein interactions through a multi-technique investigation Liem Bui-le , Coby J. Clarke , Andreas Brohl , Alex P. S. Brogan , James A. J. Arpino , Karen M. Polizzi , Jason P. Hallett Communications Chemistry 3 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-0302-5 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [19247, 21035] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Ionic liquids offer exciting possibilities for biocatalysis as solvent properties provide rare opportunities for customizable, energy-efficient bioprocessing. Unfortunately, proteins and enzymes are generally unstable in ionic liquids and several attempts have been made to explain why; however, a comprehensive understanding of the ionic liquid–protein interactions remains elusive. Here, we present an analytical framework (circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)) to probe the interactions, structure, and stability of a model protein (green fluorescent protein (GFP)) in a range (acetate, chloride, triflate) of pyrrolidinium and imidazolium salts. We demonstrate that measuring protein stability requires a similar holistic analytical framework, as opposed to single-technique assessments that provide misleading conclusions. We reveal information on site-specific ionic liquid–protein interactions, revealing that triflate (the least interacting anion) induces a contraction in the protein size that reduces the barrier to unfolding. Robust frameworks such as this are critical to advancing non-aqueous biocatalysis and avoiding pitfalls associated with single-technique investigations.	May 2020
I04-1-Macromolecular Crystallography (fixed wavelength)	A human protein hydroxylase that accepts D-residues Hwanho Choi , Adam P. Hardy , Thomas M. Leissing , Rasheduzzaman Chowdhury , Yu Nakashima , Wei Ge , Marios Markoulides , John S. Scotti , Philip A. Gerken , Helen Thorbjornsrud , Dahye Kang , Sungwoo Hong , Joongoo Lee , Michael A. Mcdonough , Hwangseo Park , Christopher J. Schofield Communications Chemistry 3 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-0290-5 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [18069] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (FIH) is a 2-oxoglutarate-dependent protein hydroxylase that catalyses C3 hydroxylations of protein residues. We report FIH can accept (D)- and (L)-residues for hydroxylation. The substrate selectivity of FIH differs for (D) and (L) epimers, e.g., (D)- but not (L)-allylglycine, and conversely (L)- but not (D)-aspartate, undergo monohydroxylation, in the tested sequence context. The (L)-Leu-containing substrate undergoes FIH-catalysed monohydroxylation, whereas (D)-Leu unexpectedly undergoes dihydroxylation. Crystallographic, mass spectrometric, and DFT studies provide insights into the selectivity of FIH towards (L)- and (D)-residues. The results of this work expand the potential range of known substrates hydroxylated by isolated FIH and imply that it will be possible to generate FIH variants with altered selectivities.	May 2020
I09-Surface and Interface Structural Analysis	Understanding charge compensation mechanisms in Na0.56Mg0.04Ni0.19Mn0.70O2 Le Anh Ma , Felix Massel , Andrew J. Naylor , Laurent-c. Duda , Reza Younesi Communications Chemistry 2 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-019-0227-z Diamond Proposal Number(s): [18974] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries have become a potential alternative to Li-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium resources. Sodium-ion cathode materials have been widely studied with particular focus on layered oxide lithium analogues. Generally, the capacity is limited by the redox processes of transition metals. Recently, however, the redox participation of oxygen gained a lot of research interest. Here the Mg-doped cathode material P2-Na0.56Mg0.04Ni0.19Mn0.70O2 is studied, which is shown to exhibit a good capacity (ca. 120 mAh/g) and high average operating voltage (ca. 3.5 V vs. Na+/Na). Due to the Mg-doping, the material exhibits a reversible phase transition above 4.3 V, which is attractive in terms of lifetime stability. In this study, we combine X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy techniques to shed light on both, cationic and anionic contributions towards charge compensation.	Nov 2019
I03-Macromolecular Crystallography I04-Macromolecular Crystallography	Positive functional synergy of structurally integrated artificial protein dimers assembled by Click chemistry Harley L. Worthy , Husam Sabah Auhim , W. David Jamieson , Jacob R. Pope , Aaron Wall , Robert Batchelor , Rachel L. Johnson , Daniel W. Watkins , Pierre Rizkallah , Oliver K. Castell , D. Dafydd Jones Communications Chemistry 2 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-019-0185-5 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [14843] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Construction of artificial higher order protein complexes allows sampling of structural architectures and functional features not accessible by classical monomeric proteins. Here, we combine in silico modelling with expanded genetic code facilitated strain promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition to construct artificial complexes that are structurally integrated protein dimers and demonstrate functional synergy. Using fluorescent proteins sfGFP and Venus as models, homodimers and heterodimers are constructed that switched ON once assembled and display enhanced spectral properties. Symmetrical crosslinks are found to be important for functional enhancement. The determined molecular structure of one artificial dimer shows that a new long-range polar network comprised mostly of organised water molecules links the two chromophores leading to activation and functional enhancement. Single molecule analysis reveals the dimer is more resistant to photobleaching spending longer times in the ON state. Thus, genetically encoded bioorthogonal chemistry can be used to generate truly integrated artificial protein complexes that enhance function.	Jul 2019
I07-Surface & interface diffraction	Atomistics of pre-nucleation layering of liquid metals at the interface with poor nucleants Sida Ma , Adam J. Brown , Rui Yan , Ruslan L. Davidchack , Paul B. Howes , Chris Nicklin , Qijie Zhai , Tao Jing , Hongbiao Dong Communications Chemistry 2 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-018-0104-1 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [12083, 6663] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Liquid layering at heterogeneous solid/liquid interfaces is a general phenomenon, which provides structural templates for nucleation of crystalline phases on potent nucleants. However, its efficacy near poor nucleants is incompletely understood. Here we use a combination of X-ray crystal truncation rod analysis and ab initio molecular dynamics to probe the pre-nucleation liquid layering at the sapphire–aluminium solid/liquid interface. At the sapphire side, a ~1.6 aluminium-terminated structure develops, and at the liquid side, two pre-nucleation layers emerge at 950 K. No more pre-nucleation layer forms with decreasing temperature indicating that nucleation of crystalline aluminium through layer-by-layer atomic adsorption of liquid atoms is not favoured. Instead, the appearance of stochastically-formed nuclei near the substrate is supported by our experiments. Nucleation on poor nucleants is dominated by the stochastic nucleation events which are substantially influenced by the pre-nucleation layers that determine the surface structure in contact with the nuclei.	Jan 2019

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