Using structural biology to investigate molecular machinery

EMBL structural biologists continue to improve understanding of the mechanisms of life.

Structural biologists at EMBL – particularly at Grenoble, Hamburg, and Heidelberg – focus on understanding the nature and role of specific molecules, the building blocks of life. Key to this process is figuring out the three-dimensional shape of molecules, which, like a fingerprint, is unique and holds clues to their function.

Not only does structural biology provide important insights on the mechanisms of life, but it also plays a significant role in developing potential treatments against genetic disorders or infectious diseases. 

Among several achievements in 2021, EMBL researchers shed light on a crucial step in RNA splicing, described the structure of the Integrator complex, and characterised a human RNA polymerase enzyme. Additionally, the combination of cryo-electron tomography with advanced software developed by EMBL researchers allowed them to model molecular complexes inside cells at atomic resolution.

Recent structural biology studies have also revealed new opportunities to combat infectious diseases. For example, EMBL researchers determined the detailed structure of a bacterial protein complex critical for tuberculosis infection, which could potentially help scientists develop new vaccines against tuberculosis. In another study, researchers illuminated protein interactions involved in pneumonia, opening the possibility of new drug targets. EMBL scientists were also part of an international collaboration that detailed the functional structure of the octopus-like polymerase of the Lassa virus, which can cause severe haemorrhagic disease.