Microsecond melting and revitrification preserves protein structure

What is it about?

In this publication, we use a laser to melt a cryo sample of proteins for a few microseconds, before the laser is switched off and the specimen rapidly revitrifies. Single-particle reconstructions show that the proteins are not damaged by the laser nor the melting and revitrification process.

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Photo by Martin LONGIN on Unsplash

Photo by Martin LONGIN on Unsplash

Why is it important?

These experiments provide a central piece of evidence that the laser-melting and revitrification method is suitable for studying the dynamics of proteins on microsecond timescales, which have otherwise remained elusive. In the short amount of time when the proteins are in liquid, they can be stimulated by a change in temperature or a burst of light. Their transient structures can then be locked in place when the sample revitrifies.