Structural Biology

Structure-based drug design (SBDD) is a critical part of the drug discovery process, enabling the design of new molecules with increased potency. Using our in-house crystallography and cryo-EM microscopy expertise we will guide you through your structural biology project design, delivering high-quality structural data to help you:

• Identify key residues involved in target engagement
• Map chemical space for hit expansion and potency
• Define antibody epitopes for binding
• Accelerate Fragment Screening with the right structural readouts

Ensuring success with integrated structural biology services

Our structural biologists, biophysicists and protein scientists work as part of one integrated team.  This collaborative approach combines elements of protein structure with protein design, ensuring suitability for structural enablement.

As standard we deliver crystallographic grade protein (95% pure), enabling a ‘fresh protein to dataset’ workflow to maximize success and accelerate workflow.

Designed to be fit-for-purpose

• Custom protein is designed to be structurally relevant for your needs

Crystallographic-grade protein

• Purified with speed for optimal crystallizability

Enabling structural biology with maximum success

• ‘Fresh protein to dataset’ is our primary approach
• Cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography facilities

Creating publishable success

• Assistance with the creation of Protein Databank (PDB) files as required

X-Ray crystallography services

The key to X-ray crystallography success is the initial crystallization of the target protein. Our expert team work to produce:

• High crystal hit rate - initial crystallization screening utilizes fresh protein
• Optimal crystal quality - subsequent optimization rounds of crystallization screening may be employed
• Versatile - co-crystallization and / or soaking experiments dependent on requirement
• Uninterrupted access - Data acquisition performed at both UK and EU based synchrotron facilities

Cryo electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) services

Cryo-EM is a powerful complementary technique to X-ray crystallography, as it can handle large, flexible complexes that do not readily crystallize. The samples are prepared in solution, making it possible to solve structures of multiple states in a single sample for investigation of protein dynamics.

Our robust process includes:

• Negative Stain Screening – assessment of protein homogeneity and grid suitability for EM
• 2D Classification – classifies particles into groups of 2D classes and selection of 2D classes to progress
• 3D Classification – further refinement to high resolution structures
• Uninterrupted access - Data acquisition performed at both UK and EU based synchrotron facilities

Structurally enabled fragment screening

Accelerate lead discovery

Our Structural Biologists support fragment-based drug discovery by providing:

• High-throughput crystal soaking for structure-guided screening
• Simultaneous hit identification and structural readouts to reduce attrition and speed up hit expansion