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中子自旋回波:研究蛋白质结构域动力学的利器

Neutron spin echo spectrometer: advanced in studying protein domain motions

  • 摘要: 蛋白质作为生物系统这种复杂分子机器的重要组成部分之一,理解它们内部的结构及其在不同时间及空间尺度上的运动,对于研究生命的运作机理至关重要。相较于其他实验手段,中子自旋回波技术能探测到更大时空范围的性质,在研究蛋白质内部的结构域动力学方面具有独特的优势。这是一门横跨核物理与核技术、非平衡态统计物理学、分子生物学与蛋白质组学等前沿交叉领域的学科,充满着诸多未知与挑战,也遍布着一探生命奥秘的机遇。文章简述了中子自旋回波实验技术的基本原理和发展历程,阐述其在研究蛋白质结构域动力学方面的方法和技术优势,并介绍了部分实验案例,最后对其应用前景进行探讨与展望。

     

    Abstract: With protein being one of the most important components in biological systems, it is essential to know the dynamics of the internal motions of proteins for further understanding of the mechanisms of life. Utilizing the unique properties of thermal neutron scattering with hydrogen isotopes to study the dynamics inside proteins takes full advantage of the low beam energy and high spatiotemporal resolution of neutron spin echo spectroscopy over other experimental methods. This cutting-edge discipline spans nuclear physics and technology, non-equilibrium statistical physics, molecular biology, and proteomics. There are plenty of unknowns and challenges, as well as opportunities to peek at the mysteries of life. In this article, we review the principles of neutron spin echo spectroscopy, the history of its development and its advantages with some examples of experiments that have been performed on protein domain dynamics, then discuss various future applications.

     

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