Macromolecular structure visualization is an essential step in understanding protein function at the atomic level. Directly visualizing macromolecular interactions, macromolecule shape, and small molecule interactions can provide important mechanistic insight into structure-function relationships that can in turn drive experimental design.
This full-day workshop will equip researchers with the skills necessary to identify already determined macromolecular structures, prepare theoretical structures, and visualize those structures using popular tools in structural biology. Importantly, all tools and databases needed for this work are well maintained and available freely to academic researchers.
The morning session of the Structural Biology Visualization Workshop will include topics tailored for those new to structural biology who want to learn how to leverage protein structures to inform their research. These sessions will cover how to find high-quality structures, how these structures can be utilized to inform structure-function relationships, and how to install and use popular macromolecular visualization software. We will also cover basic AlphaFold2 structure prediction with a focus on how to think about prediction quality for experimental design purposes.
A hands-on session will take place after lunch. Participants will get the afternoon to practice using the various software discussed in the morning session with help from the organizers. One-on-one help is also available for those who would like help visualizing a particular structure or structures. This may be scheduled during registration.
Registration for the in-person workshop will be limited to the first 35 registrants and will be held in a Trent Semans Center Health Education (TSCHE) classroom 3 (room 3025). All in-person registrants should bring a laptop with them.
Virtual attendance will be limited to observation only. Virtual attendees will be sent the Zoom link upon registration.
Face coverings are currently optional per Duke’s current guidelines in the classroom setting, however, this is subject to change and masking will be based on the guidelines as they stand on the day of the workshop.