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Designing and Performing Biological Solution Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Contrast Variation Experiments on Multi-component Assemblies

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Book cover Biological Small Angle Scattering: Techniques, Strategies and Tips

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1009))

Abstract

Solution small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) combined with contrast variation provides information about the size and shape of individual components of a multi-component biological assembly, as well as the spatial arrangements between the components. The large difference in the neutron scattering properties between hydrogen and deuterium is key to the method. Isotopic substitution of deuterium for some or all of the hydrogen in either the molecule or the solvent can greatly alter the scattering properties of the biological assembly, often with little or no change to its biochemical properties. Thus, SANS with contrast variation provides unique information not easily obtained using other experimental techniques.

If used correctly, SANS with contrast variation is a powerful tool for determining the solution structure of multi-component biological assemblies. This chapter discusses the principles of SANS theory that are important for contrast variation, essential considerations for experiment design and execution, and the proper approach to data analysis and structure modeling. As sample quality is extremely important for a successful contrast variation experiment, sample issues that can affect the outcome of the experiment are discussed as well as procedures used to verify the sample quality. The described methodology is focused on two-component biological complexes. However, examples of its use for multi-component assemblies are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NIST Center for Neutron Research, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA

    Susan Krueger

Authors
  1. Susan Krueger
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Correspondence to Susan Krueger .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. G N Ramachandran Protein Center, CSIR Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India

    Barnali Chaudhuri

  2. Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain

    Inés G. Muñoz

  3. Center for Structural Molecular Biology and Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

    Shuo Qian

  4. Center for Structural Molecular Biology and Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

    Volker S. Urban

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Krueger, S. (2017). Designing and Performing Biological Solution Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Contrast Variation Experiments on Multi-component Assemblies. In: Chaudhuri, B., Muñoz, I., Qian, S., Urban, V. (eds) Biological Small Angle Scattering: Techniques, Strategies and Tips. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1009. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6038-0_5

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