Integrated Structural Biology Core

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The Integrated Structural Biology Core (ISBC) facility of the Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (CBSD) provides technology and expertise to assist University of Montana (UM) faculty to elucidate biological processes using the analytical methods of mechanistic and structural biochemistry. Services provided by the Core include a full suite of gene-to-structure technologies: protein expression and purification, structure determination by X-ray crystallography and cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM). The ISBC has the capacity to conduct a variety of biophysical and analytical measurements of protein thermodynamic and ligand-binding properties such as surface plasmon resonance and multi-angle light scattering, and supports NMR facilities at UM for structural analysis of macromolecular structure and dynamics, and structural validation of small organic molecules. The ISBC has also become a facility for small molecule X-ray crystallography for Montana and the surrounding Rocky Mountain region, which include three IDeA States. During Phase III of COBRE support the ISBC seeks: 1) to remain at the methodological forefront of structural biology by, among other activities, developing capacity for cryo-EM services in collaboration with partners at Montana State University; 2) to maintain strong and ongoing interactions with other core facilities within CBSD and other COBRE Core facilities at UM to provide a suite of complementary experimental and analytical tools to solve complex problems in molecular and cell biology; 3) optimize ISBC reporting processes to effectively track services provided to clients, evaluate scientific outcomes and impact, and monitor its financial status. The ISBC will employ evaluation/survey tools to ensure client satisfaction, identify emerging needs and define clear and transparent mechanisms to prioritize projects. The ISBC will continue to pursue its training mission to disseminate technologies to client laboratories. Lastly, the ISBC will implement policies to insure its sustainability beyond Phase III by maintaining a robust fee-for-service program, leveraging institutional support and pursuing grant-funded collaborations with UM investigators and external users.