Integrated structural biology

The theoretical and practical grounds of structural biology, a branch of life sciences spanning different methodological approaches, will be presented. Through the lectures and practical sessions, the students will gain an understanding of the principles through which the interaction of X-rays, or of electrons, with the biological matter can unravel the molecular/atomic organization of molecules and macromolecules (proteins and nucleic acids) that build cells and organisms. The theoretical bases of X-ray crystallography, presented in frontal lectures, will guide the understanding of applicative methods. Students will learn crystallization and X-ray diffraction techniques, use of synchrotron radiation, computational approaches to solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins and nucleic acids. A thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of cryo-electron microscopy will allow students learning the state of the art methods of single particle cryo-electron microscopy to gain access to the three-dimensional structures of large macromolecular complexes. Altogether, the lectures will be integrated by lab and computing practicals. In the end the students will gain a thorough view on the methods and potential of structural biology that provides us with unique views and understanding of the way proteins, DNA, RNA and other biological (macro)molecules act. The course is ideally linked to those dealing with protein engineering and computational biology.

Students will acquire extended knowledge on the methods of X-ray crystallography and single particle cryo-electron microscopy. Such cultural background will enable them to: i) appreciate the complexity of structural biology experiments and of the physical principles on which they rely; ii) understand the limitations posed by each technique, and learn how to properly plan/execute experiments; iii) understand how three-dimensional structures of macromolecules are achieved, their significance and their standing within the domain of biological research.