National Hellenic Research Foundation (N.H.R.F.)  |   X-ray Diffraction
 
DESCRIPTION

The 3D structure determination of proteins using X-ray Diffraction is one of the core services of our Infrastructure. Knowledge of the 3D structure of macromolecular targets of pharmaceutical and biotechnological interest and their complexes with small molecules or other proteins may reveal the structure-function relationships that dictate their mechanism of action. Proteins participate in a plethora of metabolic pathways and controlling their interactions with their counterparts or bioactive compounds may allow the development of therapeutic interventions with significant socioeconomic impact.

Potential users: Scientists working in academic/research organizations, health sciences, hospitals, industries (pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, biofuel, paper, chemical) and SMEs.

National Hellenic Research Foundation (N.H.R.F.)
LOCATION:   Athens, Greece | http://www.eie.gr/index-en.html
RELEVANT STAFF:   Spyros Zographos , Evangelia Chrysina
SERVICE DETAILS:  

Instruct-EL hub offers integrated structural biology services using the available infrastructure at NHRF and jointly with partner research infrastructures. It operates In close cooperation with research groups at NHRF specialized in the fields of computational chemistry, organic synthesis, biology, biotechnology and medicine. The quality of the samples prior to crystallization and exposure of the crystals to X-rays may be tested by biophysical methods.

Selected structural analysis services: X-ray diffraction data collection from protein crystals; Preliminary characterization of protein crystals; 3D structure determination of proteins; Structure-based design of potential drugs, therapeutic agents, ligands; Structural analysis from diffraction data collected at large scale facilities.
RELEVANT EQUIPMENT:  
EQUIPMENT UNIT:  
SuperNova by Rigaku (former Oxford Diffraction)
TYPE:   X-ray generator
ADDITIONAL INFO:  
 
LOCATION:   Institute of Chemical Biology- X-ray Protein Crystallography facility "Nikos G. Oikonomakos" / Instruct-EL hub
DESCRIPTION:   In house X-ray generator equipped with: • Cu Kα radiation, λ=1.54 Å • Microfocus sealed tube X-ray generator • CCD detector, diameter 135 mm • Cryogenic system with liquid nitrogen
FUNDER:   European Union, FP7-REGPOT-2008-1, No. 230146, "EUROSTRUCT"
 
 
 
EQUIPMENT UNIT:  
Leica ΜΖ16 by Leica Microsystems
TYPE:   Stereoscope
ADDITIONAL INFO:  
 
LOCATION:   Institute of Chemical Biology- X-ray Protein Crystallography facility "Nikos G. Oikonomakos" / Instruct-EL hub
DESCRIPTION:   Stereoscope equipped with a digital camera and polarized light (160x zoom)
FUNDER:   OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME "COMPETITIVENESS", Measure 4.5., Action 4.5.1.: INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE LONG TERM VIABILITY OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES, TECHNOLOGICAL PROMOTION AND DISSEMINATION.
 
 
 
EQUIPMENT UNIT:  
OryxNano, Automatic Protein Crystallization Systems by Douglas Instruments
TYPE:   Protein Crystallisation Robot
ADDITIONAL INFO:  
 
LOCATION:   Institute of Chemical Biology- X-ray Protein Crystallography facility "Nikos G. Oikonomakos" / Instruct-EL hub
DESCRIPTION:   High-throughput macromolecular crystallization robot (3rd generation). (Installed in a controlled-temperature crystallization room, equipped with incubators in temperatures 10, 14, 16 and 20 °C)
FUNDER:   OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME "COMPETITIVENESS", Measure 4.5., Action 4.5.1.: INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE LONG TERM VIABILITY OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES, TECHNOLOGICAL PROMOTION AND DISSEMINATION.
 
 
 
RELEVANT EXPERTISE:  
Instruct-EL hub personnel has more than 25 years experience in X-ray protein crystallography investigating the three-dimensional structure and properties of proteins and protein-ligand complexes from data collected in conventional and synchrotron radiation sources (e.g. EMBL-Hamburg, Petra III; Diamond Light Source, Oxford; Max IV, Lund).