CryoEM of biological macromolecules Lab Research groups

The structural study of biological macromolecules is key to understand their functioning. By means of cryo-electron microscopy we can obtain 3D maps biological complexes under nearly physiological conditions, and the latest developments in the field allow for near-atomic resolution, providing detailed observation of molecules. The aim of the team is to describe the structure and the conformational changes associated with the biological function. We focus on motors involved in universal biological functions where interactions between protein and nucleic acids are essential. Structural studies of ribosomes during translation allow the understanding of the mechanisms which govern protein synthesis. In this process, interactions with translation factors and interference by several antibiotics are especially important. We also analyze the structure of flexible filamentous viruses, a group of plant pathogens, and large oligomeric enzymes such as pyruvate carboxylase.