| X-ray crystallography can deliver atomic detail structures for the study of macromolecules. It yields accurate, high-resolution data that provide mechanistic insight and are crucial for the study of binding interfaces and drug design studies. Methods for producing soluble proteins and diffracting crystals are improving constantly, but for the evaluation of such crystals it is crucial to have good X-ray diffraction facilities in-house. The ability to collect full data sets at home is critical for many projects, while efficient pre-screening is essential for optimal data collection at synchrotrons. The NKI has 6-year old diffraction equipment that is still functioning properly, but expansion and improvement of the equipment with a modern detector and focussing mirrors is essential for two reasons: 1) The improvements in technology will enhance the X-ray flux, the accessible resolution and the speed of crystal testing, coupled to an increase in reliability. This will lead to much improved data collection facilities. 2) With the addition of the research group of A. Perrakis, the already heavily used existing equipment will not be sufficient. With 6 potential users, crystal characterization experiments are performed under time pressure and complete data collection experiments are almost impossible due to the time constraints that are imposed by that reality. This can cause large delays for the execution of a variety of projects. As the Perrakis group has only recently started, this problem will become more acute rapidly. |
