From Alignment Laser to 3D Structures: Determining Structures of GPCRs in a Compact X‐ray Light Source

Abstract

The Compact X‐ray Light Source (CXLS) at Arizona State University produces diffraction patterns with intense X‐ray by Inverse Compton Scattering (ICS). In ICS, a photon acquires energy from an electron to produce an X‐ray. With this system, we can study G‐Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which are peripheral membrane proteins targeted by 60% of FDA approved drugs. When GPCRs are activated, a series of reaction can occur. For example, opening and closing of ion channels, activation or deactivation of enzymes, and protein hydrolysis. The structural characterization of GPCRs can lead to optimization of drug development, by assessing a better targeting mechanism that will lead to fewer side‐effects and better drug biding. We conducted a laser alignment in the CXLS using a YAG screen, which is a fluorescent screen that helps determine the size and intensity of the beam. Furthermore, we provide the crystallization process of GPCRs using Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) and describe its potential for structure determination using the CXLS and CXFEL.