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European Molecular Biology Laboratory

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Scientific institution with 29 member states

A model of the glycine transporter 1, which is located in the cell membrane. In the lower center it is bound by its inhibitor, which is a much smaller molecule. At the upper end, glycine transporter 1 is bound by a synthetic mini-antibody, a so-called sybody.

© DANDRITE, Azadeh Shahsavar
During measurements at the EMBL Hamburg Beamline P14, the scientists were able to determine the structure of glycine transporter 1. This is a protein that is involved in the regulation of neuronal activity in the brain. The result could open up new avenues for the development of therapeutics for psychiatric disorders.

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is an intergovernmental institution that operates the measuring stations at the PETRA III storage ring of DESY for applications in the life sciences with a focus on structural biology and X-ray imaging. The facilities are offered to external users and used for in-house research on infectious diseases. EMBL works closely with DESY and other institutes on campus, including CSSB and HARBOR.

A pipeline from the lab bench to the MX and SAXS beamlines that helps researchers optimize and prepare samples for structural studies.

A scientist inserts a plate into a laboratory device.

EMBL, Kinga Lubowiecka
A scientist inserts a plate into a laboratory device.

The EMBL Sample Preparation and Characterization Facility at the CSSB is located directly next to the EMBL beamlines at the PETRA III synchrotron. It offers scientists first-class services in the field of biophysics - from sample preparation to data analysis. The EMBL protein characterization platform is connected to the in-house HTX facility via a scientific bridge. HTX stands for: High Throughput Crystallization Facility.

The facility comprises several biophysical instruments that are available to internal and external users. The quality control of proteins and characterization techniques for the interaction of biomolecules are offered as services.

Experimental stations of the EMBL in Hamburg

P12

Photo of the work area at experiment station P12

© EMBL, Dorota Badowska
Scientists at EMBL and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz measure RNA using small-angle X-ray scattering at Beamline P12 at EMBL Hamburg.

The EMBL Beamline P12 is dedicated to biological small-angle X-ray scattering. This is a technique that enables scientists to determine the structure and dynamics of biological molecules using X-rays. Small-angle X-ray scattering is very versatile - it can be used for samples in almost any form, e.g. liquid or solid.

P13 & P14

EMBL operates two beamlines for macromolecular X-ray crystallography - P13 and P14 - at the PETRA III storage ring at DESY.

The Beamline P14 allows X-ray imaging of biological samples such as tissue or entire organisms. It enables scientists to examine the structure of proteins with atomic resolution and even to shoot molecular X-ray films of proteins in action.

The movements of protein molecules can be measured at the T-REXX measuring station. EMBL offers this special service in close cooperation with the HARBOR Centre for Ultrafast Imaging at the University of Hamburg.

EMBL, Kinga Lubowiecka
The movements of protein molecules can be measured at the T-REXX measuring station. EMBL offers this special service in close cooperation with the HARBOR Centre for Ultrafast Imaging at the University of Hamburg.
"Through the collaboration between EMBL and the other research institutes in Science City, we can jointly push the boundaries of what is possible in the characterization of medically or biotechnologically relevant biomolecules."
Photo of the interim head of EMBL Hmburg

EMBL, Massimo del Prete
To the EMBL website

EMBL, Massimo del Prete

 Thomas R. Schneider
Interim Director of EMBL Hamburg
Scientific methods

Explanatory film about small-angle X-ray scattering

Further information about SAXS and P12


Research project at the EMBL-Beamline P14

Further information on macromolecular crystallography


EMBL facility for sample preparation and characterization

Further information on the cooperation between CSSB and EMBL

 

 


Services for research facilities at EMBL Hamburg

Further information for industrial users

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Dr. Dorota Badowska

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