This training event explored strategies to engineer proteins for structural and functional studies. Discussions were focused on construct optimization, novel thermostability assays, crystallization tools and ‘tricks of the trade’ to enable structure determination. This event was ideal for graduate students in the biomedical sciences, anyone embarking on a structural biology project and those interested in generating soluble and functional expression of proteins using recombinant techniques.

Topics covered included:

• cryo-EM preparation for membrane proteins
• optimization of proteins for NMR studies
• engineering of protein-DNA samples for structure determination
• novel and established methods for evaluating purity and homogeneity of macromolecules

Participants gained a better understanding of the purity and characteristics of proteins samples needed for crystallization, cryo-EM and NMR studies, and of the current strategies to optimize solubility, purity, and homogeneity of proteins for structural and functional studies, including bioinformatics tools and post-production modifications.

Programme coordinators:

• Dr Amir Khan, Trinity College Dublin
• Dr Rivka Isaacson, King’s College London