In 2019, a chance encounter at a scientific meeting led Michigan State University researchers to uncover the first high-resolution experimentally determined structure in proteins that aid in surviving harsh conditions like radiation and space. Professor Emeritus Lee Kroos, who had been working on understanding the structure of a protein called SpoIVFB, teamed up with Professor Orlando, an expert in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), to finally capture the elusive structure. SpoIVFB is part of a family of enzymes crucial for cellular functions and plays a key role in bacterial sporulation to withstand extreme environments.
The successful collaboration between Orlando and Kroos led to the publication of their groundbreaking research in Nature Communications. The study revealed that SpoIVFB is bound to specific molecules that facilitate the creation of useful biochemical products. This discovery offers valuable insights into cellular regulation mechanisms present in a wide range of organisms, from bacteria to humans, with implications for microbiology, structural biology, enzymology, and human diseases. The research sheds light on the connection between protein structure and various health conditions, providing critical knowledge to the field of structural biology.
The use of cryo-EM technology played a pivotal role in achieving this breakthrough. By capturing thousands or even millions of images of a sample at different angles, researchers were able to create a detailed 3D map of the sample, allowing them to visualize the protein structure. According to Orlando, cryo-EM has been transformative in membrane protein structural biology in recent years, enabling researchers to delve into previously inaccessible areas of biology. The ongoing $15 million expansion of cryo-EM infrastructure at MSU has provided researchers with the tools to push the boundaries of experimental feasibility and explore new frontiers in various scientific disciplines.
Orlando’s expertise in cryo-EM and Kroos’ extensive research experience culminated in the successful determination of SpoIVFB’s structure. The collaboration not only advanced the understanding of protein structures but also demonstrated the potential of innovative technologies in scientific research. The discovery of SpoIVFB’s structure marks a milestone in the field of structural biology and opens up avenues for further exploration into the role of proteins in various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions, cancers, and metabolic disorders. The research findings have broader implications for the scientific community and offer new insights into cellular mechanisms that operate across different organisms.
The research conducted by Orlando and Kroos highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and the significance of cutting-edge technologies in scientific breakthroughs. By leveraging cryo-EM technology and combining their expertise, the researchers were able to uncover a crucial aspect of protein structure that has eluded scientists for decades. The success of this project underscores the impact of investments in advanced scientific infrastructure and the potential of collaborative efforts to address complex challenges in biology and medicine. The MSU cryo-EM facility expansion represents a promising future for researchers across diverse fields, enabling them to explore new areas of research and make significant contributions to scientific knowledge.