The ability of post-genomic research in biology and medicine to deliver substantial improvements in human health depends critically on the rate of progress towards the understanding of complex biological processes at the molecular level, which in turn depends on our capability of rapidly determining the 3D structures of all molecules involved in atomic detail. The BIOXHIT project will develop, assemble and provide an integrated platform for high-throughput structure determination using X-ray crystallography with synchrotron radiation, which will boost such capabilities throughout Europe. X-ray crystallography is the natural choice by virtue of its accuracy, speed, and potential for further speed gains, while synchrotron radiation is indispensable because of its intensity and tuneability. BIOXHIT will coordinate scientists at all European synchrotrons and leading software developers in both academic and industrial groups in a timely and unprecedented joint effort, under an efficient management structure. It will achieve increasing levels of automation and will implement "smart" data collection protocols capable of delivering expert-quality results to non-expert users. Strong emphasis will be placed on integrating the work of hitherto separate teams by early planning for standardisation and transferability, thus maximising cost-effectiveness and fostering a culture of Europe-wide concertation and exchange. A proactive training effort will first take place at synchrotron facilities, then spread to satellite centres for further dissemination. The Project will culminate with the provision of remote access to the BIOXHIT high-throughput facilities from the users' own laboratories or companies. These capabilities will be of lasting benefit to European research, underpinning all future European efforts in Structural and Functional Genomics, and thus helping Europe to occupy a leading position in this field against intense c
Keywords:
Synchrotrons, hardware and software pipeline, structural genomics
|
