Seeing is understanding – crystal structure of the polymer-forming domain of a tyankyrase protein.
In an approach called X-ray crystallography, focussed X-rays are shot onto protein crystals, and the scattering data collected are then used to produce electron density maps to study the structure of proteins at atomic detail. This image shows the electron density map of a region of a protein called tankyrase – important in cancer cell signalling. Understanding the structure and shape of proteins can help to design more effective drugs, improving cancer treatment. (Image by Laura Mariotti and Sebastian Guettler)
A research image from our lab features in the #SciArtSutton exhibition, which runs at Sutton Central Library throughout July. The exhibition hosts a range of fascinating science images from the ICR.