| Outline |
This lecture will provide students with an overview of experimental techniques to solve the three-dimensional structure of ion channels, as well as their contribution to the structure-function relationship study. First, an outline of the meaning and significance of the information of the three-dimensional structure of proteins will be explained. Next, an overview of the methodology of the protein structural analysis such as X-ray crystallography will be introduced. It will also be explained how the elucidated structures of the ion channels and receptors can contribute to the understanding of their function. Finally, as an example of a state-of-the-art technique, "molecular movie" imaging of dynamic ion channels using an X-ray free electron laser will be introduced. |
