The core supports protein biophysics and The Structural Biology Core. The nature and complexity of protein research requires highly sophisticated technologies and advanced instrumentation. The needs of protein studies are very diverse, comprising studies of single proteins, protein complexes and interactions of groups of proteins, which may relate to structure, function or biology. This core is committed to facilitate these needs within QBRI and Qatar. The Protein Biophysics unit houses a Mosquito LCP crystallization robot, which can carry out both membrane and non-membrane protein crystallizations. X-ray crystallography is supported by the latest generation microfocus source with high intensity, as well as a robust and sensitive CMOS detector.

The unit also has a cryostream with an air compressor. Instrumentation facilitates rapid screening of macromolecular crystals, as well as data collection for structure determination. In addition, several nitrogen dewars are housed for the storage and transport of crystals to synchrotron facilities. Support staff maintains all crystallographic software.

QBRI’s Structural Biology Core is well established and highly functional. Research collaborations with various stakeholders are ongoing, including with QBRI’s diabetes and neurological disorders teams.