X-Ray Crystallography
The Kahlert Structural Biology Laboratory (KSBL)

    The Laboratory houses two complete macromolecular X-ray data collection systems consisting of two RigakuMSC Micromax 007 X-ray generators with R-axis IV++ image plates. These systems are optimized to give high X-ray flux through small crystals for maximum in-house diffraction, but also give superb data for larger crystals as well. One system has  VariMax Confocal Max-Flux optics (maximizing X-ray flux even more), a 2θ stage (for extremely high resolution data collection) and X-stream low temperature device (for reduced radiation damage and slowing thermal motion), whilst the other has Confocal Blue optics, an inverse phi (for easy frozen crystal mounting and retrieval) and Oxford Instruments low temperature Cryojet. The University has contributed to the Molecular Biology Consortium at the Advanced Light Source, and so regular exclusive synchrotron time is available to KSBL members. In addition, researchers also collect at other national synchrotron facilities, particularly the Advanced Photon Source near Chicago.
    Data can be processed on the Laboratory workstations, or off-line at the Basic Sciences Computing Laboratory (BSCL), an off-shoot of the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, situated next door to the KSBL. The BSCL also houses high resolution graphics workstations, powerful processing capabilities, and all the usual software packages for structure solution, model building and refinement.
    In addition, the KSBL has a wide range of ancillary equipment available. A full time X-ray Facilities Manager (Ed Hoeffner; 612-625-2115) is available to help users. As a Minnesota resource the KSBL welcomes inquiries from potential users, who should contact the Director (Carrie Wilmot; 612-624-2406).
    The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics currently has three Faculty specializing in macromolecular X-ray crystallography; Douglas Ohlendorf, Professor of Biochemistry; Leonard Banaszak, Professor of Biochemistry; and Carrie Wilmot, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry. The Department will initiate a search for a fourth Faculty member in this area during the Fall of 2005.