Molecular replacement

﻿
Molecular replacement

Molecular replacement[1] (or MR) is a method of solving the phase problem in X-ray crystallography. MR relies upon the existence of a previously solved protein structure which is homologous (similar) to our unknown structure from which the diffraction data is derived.

The first goal of the crystallographer is to obtain an electron density map, density being related with diffracted wave as follows: $\rho(x,y,z)=\frac{1}{V}\sum_h\sum_k\sum_l|F_{hkl}|\exp(2\pi i(hx+ky+lz)+i\Phi(hkl)).$

With usual detectors the intensity $I=F\cdot F^*$ is being measured, so all the information about phase (Φ) is lost. Then, in the absence of phases (Φ), we are unable to complete the shown Fourier transform relating the experimental data from X-ray crystallography (in reciprocal space) to real-space electron density, into which the atomic model is built. MR tries to find the model which fits best experimental intensities among known structures.

Principles of Patterson-based molecular replacement

However, we can derive a Patterson map, which is an interatomic vector map created by squaring the structure factor amplitudes and setting all phases to zero. This vector map contains a peak for each atom related to every other atom, with a large peak at 0,0,0, where vectors relating atoms to themselves "pile up". Such a map is far too noisy to derive any high resolution structural information—however if we generate Patterson maps for the data derived from our unknown structure, and from the structure of a previously solved homologue, in the correct orientation and position within the unit cell, the two Patterson maps should be closely correlated. This principle lies at the heart of MR, and can allow us to infer information about the orientation and location of an unknown molecule with its unit cell.

Due to historic limitations in computing power, an MR search is typically divided into two steps: rotation and translation.

Rotation function

In the rotation function, our unknown Patterson map is compared to Patterson maps derived from our known homologue structure in different orientations. Historically r-factors and/or correlation coefficients were used to score the rotation function, however, modern programs use maximum likelihood-based algorthims. The highest correlation (and therefore scores) are obtained when the two structures (known and unknown) are in similar orientation(s)—these can then be output in Euler angles or spherical polar angles.

Translation function

In the translation function, the now correctly oriented known model can be correctly positioned by translating it to the correct co-ordinates within the asymmetric unit. This is accomplished by moving the model, calculating a new Patterson map, and comparing it to the unknown-derived patterson map. This brute-force search is computationally expensive and fast translation functions are now more commonly used. Positions with high correlations are output in Cartesian coordinates.

The next step

Following this, we should have correctly oriented and translated phasing models, from which we can derive phases which are (hopefully) accurate enough to derive electron density maps. These can be used to build and refine an atomic model of our unknown structure.

References

1. ^ Ch 10 in "Principles of Protein X-ray Crystallography", by Jan Drenth (2nd Edn.) Springer, 1999

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Look at other dictionaries:

• Molecular Discovery — Ltd Type Ltd Industry Life sciences Founded 1984 Founder(s) Prof. Peter Goodford Headquarters London Key people …   Wikipedia

• Molecular Koch's postulates — are a set of experimental criteria that must be satisfied to show that a gene found in a pathogenic microorganism encodes a product that contributes to the disease caused by the pathogen. Genes that satisfy molecular Koch s postulates are often… …   Wikipedia

• Molecular drive — Adoptation redirects here and should not be confused with adaptation Molecular drive is a term coined by Gabriel Dover in 1982 to describe evolutionary processes that change the genetic composition of a population through DNA turnover… …   Wikipedia

• Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene — (UHMWPE or sometimes shortened to UHMW), also known as high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or high performance polyethylene (HPPE), is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. It has extremely long chains, with molecular weight numbering in the… …   Wikipedia

• Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene — (UHMWPE), also known as high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or high performance polyethylene (HPPE), is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. It has extremely long chains, with molecular weight numbering in the millions, usually between 2 and… …   Wikipedia

• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy — (BHRT) is the use of supplemental doses of steroid hormones with a chemical structure identical to endogenous human hormones (hormones naturally produced in the human body). On 1/10/2008 the US Food and Drug Administration sent… …   Wikipedia

• Hip replacement — Hip replacement, also hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Such joint replacement orthopaedic surgery generally is conducted to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint… …   Wikipedia

• Hip replacement (animal) — Hip replacement surgery can be performed on animals, (notably dogs) as well as humans. This article discusses hip replacement surgery in animals.OverviewHip replacement is a proven surgery in animals, notably dogs. It is usually performed, as in… …   Wikipedia

• Hormone replacement therapy (menopause) — Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a system of medical treatment for surgically menopausal, perimenopausal and to a lesser extent postmenopausal women. It is based on the idea that the treatment may prevent discomfort caused by diminished… …   Wikipedia

• Organ replacement in animals — When an animal experiences organ failure organ replacement therapies can be used to treat diseased or injured pets. Veterinarians now use many of the same types of therapies that are used in human medicine. Contents 1 Total hip replacement 2… …   Wikipedia

We are using cookies for the best presentation of our site. Continuing to use this site, you agree with this.