Structural biology is a pivotal field that investigates the 3D structures of biological macromolecules, like proteins and DNA, to reveal how their shapes determine their functions within cells and organisms.

The Warwick Integrated Structural Biology Centre aims to drive excellence in all aspects of structural biology research by bringing together scientists from across disciplines to share expertise and to create new avenues of research.

Our research is underpinned by world-class facilities that drive advancements in structural biology through cutting-edge techniques like solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Our facilities enable precise analysis of molecular architecture, fostering innovation in fields such as drug development, disease treatment, and biotechnology.

Challenges in industry

Uncovering complex structures requires advanced techniques and equipment.

Solid-state NMR provides intricate details about the atomic-level interactions and dynamics of biomolecules, particularly those that are difficult to crystallise. This technique is invaluable for studying complex structures, and in some cases the samples can be analysed non-destructively.

Cryo-electron microscopy allows us to obtain pictures of biological samples such as proteins, viruses or tissues, and determine their 3D structures. High resolution structures reveal how individual molecules connect with each other, which is critical for developing new drugs. Cryo-electron tomography, an advanced technique, offers detailed structural images of more complex samples within their biological context. This is essential for understanding the function of biomolecules in living organisms.

Mass spectrometry techniques can characterise complex biomolecules, including their modifications and interactions, which is key for understanding cellular functions and disease mechanisms. The field of proteomics uses mass spectrometry to identify and quantify proteins in complex biological samples.

Diffraction techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are also central to structural biology. In particular, electron diffraction (ED) has brought a step-change to structure determination through its ability to reveal the crystalline structure of samples at nanoscale. In biological crystallography, where a lot of effort is often spent optimising crystal growth for X-ray analysis, we can now obtain single-crystal data for molecular analysis, provided the sample is crystalline, without the need for extensive optimisation.

Other bio-analytical techniques, including microscopy and imaging flow cytometry, are used for visualising biological interactions and cellular changes. These tools provide high-resolution imaging of cell processes, including in real-time.

Work with Warwick to help you drive innovation

The University of Warwick offers comprehensive support for structural biology research, with state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to tackle complex biological challenges.

UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility: Based at Warwick, this national facility houses some of the most powerful NMR magnets in the UK and globally, including a new 1.2 GHz spectrometer, one of fewer than 15 of its kind in the world.

Advanced Bioimaging Research Technology Platform (RTP): Offers access to state-of-the-art cryo-transmission electron microscopes and cryo-scanning electron microscopes.

Proteomics Research Technology Platform (RTP): Equipped with advanced mass spectrometers, Warwick’s Proteomics facility provides a full proteomics service to academic and commercial researchers seeking to identify and quantify proteins and their modifications.

Bio-Analytical Shared Resource Laboratories (BioSRLs): The BioSRLs feature a wide range of cutting-edge instruments from advanced microscopy and cytometry to molecular interactions technologies.

X-ray Diffraction RTP: Warwick’s X-ray diffraction facility hosts the first electron diffractometer in the UK, which is part of the National Electron Diffraction Facility.

Advanced Mass Spectrometry RTP: This facility features high-end mass spectrometry equipment for detailed molecular analysis, supporting industries in drug discovery and biomarker identification.

Computing and Advanced Microscopy Development Unit (CAMDU): CAMDU at Warwick Medical School houses cutting-edge imaging systems that can reveal cell structures with ultra precision.

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Contact Us

Get in touch to discuss how we can help solve your challenges. Contact Claire Gerard, Warwick Scientific Services Manager (c.gerard@warwick.ac.uk). We look forward to collaborating with you!