Growth Rate Dispersion as a Predictive Indicator for Biological Crystal Samples Where Quality Can be Improved with Microgravity Growth (LMM Biophysics 6)

Scientists use X-ray crystallography to view molecules that are too small to be seen under a microscope; but this requires crystallizing them, which is difficult to do on Earth. Observing crystallized proteins allows scientists to determine how they are built, which can explain how they work or how other molecules, such as drugs, might interact with them. Growth Rate Dispersion as a Predictive Indicator for Biological Crystal Samples Where Quality Can Be Improved with Microgravity Growth (LMM Biophysics 6) studies ground-based predictions of which crystals benefit from crystallization in microgravity, where Earth's gravity does not interfere with their formation. In this experiment, 2 proteins of interest in cancer treatment and radiation protection are to be studied.

The experiment has concluded, and science is being evaluated.

Using the 3-dimensional structure of proteins, scientists can determine how they function, and how they are involved in disease. Some proteins benefit from being crystallized in microgravity, where they can grow larger and with fewer imperfections. Access to crystals grown on the International Space Station could improve research for a wide range of diseases, as well as microgravity-related problems such as radiation damage, bone loss, and muscle atrophy. This investigation identifies which proteins would benefit from crystallization in space.

X-ray crystallography is the main method scientists use to study the molecular structures of biology, but it is difficult to crystallize proteins, with only a poor success rate even in the best laboratories. This investigation uses ground-based observations to predict which proteins would benefit from crystallization in microgravity, improving the information that may be obtained from them.

Space Station Research Explorer