{"id":750,"date":"2022-04-07T12:40:22","date_gmt":"2022-04-07T12:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/?page_id=750"},"modified":"2022-06-09T12:06:10","modified_gmt":"2022-06-09T12:06:10","slug":"using-structural-biology-to-investigate-molecular-machinery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2021\/using-structural-biology-to-investigate-molecular-machinery","title":{"rendered":"Using structural biology to investigate molecular machinery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n  <style>\n    .vf-hero {\n              --vf-hero--bg-image: url('https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20220524_AR2021_banners-scaled.jpg');\n            }\n\n  <\/style>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"vf-hero | vf-u-fullbleed  | vf-u-margin__bottom--0\">\n  <div class=\"vf-hero__content | vf-box | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n        <h1 class=\"vf-hero__heading\">\n              Annual Report 2021          <\/h1>\n\n        <p class=\"vf-hero__subheading\">A year of exceptional life science research, training, service, industry collaboration, and integration of European life science research.<\/p>\n    \n    \n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!--\/vf-hero-->\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-3\"><div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-2\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using structural biology to investigate molecular machinery<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">EMBL structural biologists continue to improve understanding of the mechanisms of life.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"vf-figure wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" class=\"vf-figure__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Visuel-Lassa-virus_1000x600.png\" alt=\"Three dimensional structure of the Lassa\u2019s virus polymerase with its different components represented by colored filaments and cylinders. The structure is shown as an octopus-like shape in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Visuel-Lassa-virus_1000x600.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Visuel-Lassa-virus_1000x600-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Visuel-Lassa-virus_1000x600-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"vf-figure__caption\">The Lassa\u2019s virus polymerase casts the shadow of an octopus in images with its many moving components. Credits: Maria Rosenthal\/Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Tomas Kouba\/EMBL, Creative Team\/EMBL.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Structural biologists at EMBL \u2013 particularly at Grenoble, Hamburg, and Heidelberg \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"vf-figure  | vf-figure--align vf-figure--align-inline-end  size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" class=\"vf-figure__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20200201_cryo-EM_and_RNA_polymerase_3_visual-01WP-300x180.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20200201_cryo-EM_and_RNA_polymerase_3_visual-01WP-300x180.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20200201_cryo-EM_and_RNA_polymerase_3_visual-01WP-768x461.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20200201_cryo-EM_and_RNA_polymerase_3_visual-01WP.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"vf-figure__caption\">The capability of an EM image to convey information to scientists. In 2021, it helped characterise a human RNA polymerase enzyme. Credit: Rayne Zaayman-Gallant\/EMBL<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among several achievements in 2021, EMBL researchers shed light on<a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/capturing-snapshots-of-a-crucial-step-in-rna-splicing\/\"> a crucial step in RNA splicing<\/a>, described the structure of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/at-the-core-of-the-integrator-complex\/\"> the Integrator complex<\/a>, and characterised a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/a-better-look-at-a-human-rna-polymerase\/\"> human RNA polymerase<\/a> enzyme. Additionally, the combination of cryo-electron tomography with advanced software developed by EMBL researchers allowed them to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/observing-the-secret-life-of-molecules-inside-the-cell\/\"> model molecular complexes inside cells at atomic resolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"vf-figure  | vf-figure--align vf-figure--align-inline-start   size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" class=\"vf-figure__image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20210622_ESX5-illustration_v3_IRC-300x180.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2935\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20210622_ESX5-illustration_v3_IRC-300x180.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20210622_ESX5-illustration_v3_IRC-768x461.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/20210622_ESX5-illustration_v3_IRC.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"vf-figure__caption\">The mycobacterial ESX-5 secretion system is located in the bacterial inner membrane and consists of six units, which assemble into a symmetrical structure with a pore at the centre. Credit: Isabel Romero Calvo\/EMBL<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/structural-biology-reveals-new-opportunities-to-combat-tuberculosis\/\">tuberculosis<\/a> infection, which could potentially help scientists develop new vaccines against tuberculosis. In another study, researchers illuminated protein interactions involved in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/solving-molecular-puzzles-to-find-the-perfect-fit\/\">pneumonia<\/a>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/wrangling-an-octopus-like-viral-replication-machine\/\">Lassa virus<\/a>, which can cause severe haemorrhagic disease.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<div style=\"height:229px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-profile vf-profile--very-easy vf-profile--medium vf-profile--block | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/csm_Rosenthal_Maria_8a4f505057-300x300.webp\" class=\"vf-profile__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/csm_Rosenthal_Maria_8a4f505057-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/csm_Rosenthal_Maria_8a4f505057-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/csm_Rosenthal_Maria_8a4f505057.webp 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n    <h3 class=\"vf-profile__title\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\n                                <\/h3>\n    \n    \n    \n      \n\n    \n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left vf-u-text-color--green vf-text--body vf-text-body--2\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><em>\u201cStructural biology is important to understand what we are actually looking at. If we know how these viruses work, then we have more ideas on how to tackle them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left  vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><em><em><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/em><\/em>\u2014 Maria Rosenthal, Group Leader, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, and collaborating with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/groups\/cusack\/\">Cusack Group<\/a> at EMBL Grenoble on the Lassa virus<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-box vf-box--easy vf-box-theme--tertiary | vf-u-margin__bottom--400\">\n      <h3 class=\"vf-box__heading\">\n                Explore more 2021 EMBL structural biology research highlights:                  <\/h3> \n        <p class=\"vf-box__text\"><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/capturing-snapshots-of-a-crucial-step-in-rna-splicing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capturing snapshots of a crucial step in RNA splicing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/at-the-core-of-the-integrator-complex\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the core of the Integrator complex | EMBL<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/a-better-look-at-a-human-rna-polymerase\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A better look at a human RNA polymerase | EMBL<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/observing-the-secret-life-of-molecules-inside-the-cell\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Observing the secret life of molecules inside the cell | EMBL<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/structural-biology-reveals-new-opportunities-to-combat-tuberculosis\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Structural biology reveals new opportunities to combat tuberculosis | EMBL<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/solving-molecular-puzzles-to-find-the-perfect-fit\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solving molecular puzzles to find the perfect fit | EMBL<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/news\/science\/wrangling-an-octopus-like-viral-replication-machine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrangling an octopus-like viral replication machine | EMBL<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"vf-box__text\"><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Tholen J <em>et al. <\/em>(2021). <a href=\"https:\/\/europepmc.org\/article\/MED\/34822310\">Structural basis of branch site recognition by the human spliceosome<\/a>. <em>Science<\/em>, 25 November 2021. DOI: 10.1126\/science.abm4245<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Pfleiderer M, Galej W. (2021). <a href=\"https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.molcel.2021.01.005\">Structure of the catalytic core of the Integrator complex. <\/a>Molecular Cell, 5 February 2021. DOI: 10.1016\/j.molecel.2021.01.005<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Girbig <em>et al. <\/em>(2021). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41594-020-00555-5\">Cryo-EM structures of human RNA polymerase III in its unbound and transcribing states<\/a>. <em>Nature Structural and Molecular Biology<\/em>, 8 February 2021. DOI: 10.1038\/s41594-020-00555-5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Zimmerli CE <em>et al.<\/em> (2021). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/science.abd9776\">Nuclear pores dilate and constrict in cellulo<\/a><em>. Science<\/em>, 11 November 2021. DOI: 10.1126\/science.abd9776<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Rantos V <em>et al. <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41596-021-00640-z%20\">Integrative structural modeling of macromolecular complexes using Assembline<\/a><em>. Nature Protocols, <\/em>&nbsp;29 November 2021. DOI: 10.1038\/s41596-021-00640-z<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Beckham K <em>et al.<\/em> (2021). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.abg9923\">Structure of the mycobacterial ESX-5 type VII secretion system pore complex<\/a><em>. Science Advances<\/em>, 25 June 2021. DOI: 10.1126\/sciadv.abg9923<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Adams M <em>et al.<\/em> (2021). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-021-26429-y\">Structural basis for protein glutamylation by the Legionella pseudokinase SidJ<\/a><em>, Nature Communications, <\/em>26 October 2021. DOI: 10.1038\/s41467-021-26429-y<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--5\">Kouba T, Vogel D, Thorkelsson SR<em> et al. <\/em>(2021). <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-021-27305-5\">Conformational changes in Lassa virus L protein associated with promoted binding and RNA synthesis activity<\/a><em>. Nature Communications<\/em>, 2 December 2021. DOI: 10.1038\/s41467-021-27305-5<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-1\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-3 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--grey--light \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" >\n            <\/h2>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<div class=\"embl-grid\"><div class=\"\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/\">Back to Annual report<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/ar2021\/artificial-intelligence-revolutionises-microscopy\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Next Story\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__subheading\">Artificial intelligence revolutionises microscopy<\/p>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From using artificial neural nets to elevate biological image analysis to applying machine learning to probe organoid cultures, AI-associated techniques contributed significantly to EMBL\u2019s microscopy-based research activities.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/AR2021_PDF_mock-up_AdobeStock_182004081.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/documents\/document\/annual-report-2021\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n        \n        Download the annual report summary \n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">A snapshot of EMBL 2021 facts and figures<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":38,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"vf_template_subpage.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"embl_taxonomy":[],"class_list":["post-750","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"embl_taxonomy_terms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/750","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=750"}],"version-history":[{"count":63,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/750\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3806,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/750\/revisions\/3806"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=750"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"embl_taxonomy","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/annual-report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/embl_taxonomy?post=750"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}