Membrane protein structure determination by electron crystallography

During the past year, electron crystallography of membrane proteins has provided structural insights into the mechanism of several different transporters and into their interactions with lipid molecules within the bilayer. From a technical perspective there have been important advances in high-throughput screening of crystallization trials and in automated imaging of membrane crystals with the electron microscope. There have also been key developments in software, and in molecular replacement and phase extension methods designed to facilitate the process of structure determination.

► Two-dimensional crystals provide a native lipid environment for membrane proteins. ► Lipid–protein interactions have been studied by electron crystallography. ► Conformational changes associated with transport mechanism have been studied. ► Methods for high-throughput crystallization screens are under development. ► Phase extension may facilitate structure determination at atomic resolution.