July 2024 Newsletter

July 31, 2024

AlphaFold 3 was announced on May 8, 2024, and was co-developed by Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs. This version extends beyond single-chain protein predictions to include structures of protein complexes with DNA, RNA, post-translational modifications, and selected ligands and ions. It introduces a new deep learning architecture called "Pairformer," which simplifies and enhances the predictions compared to previous models. AlphaFold 3 represents a significant advancement over AlphaFold 2. It offers enhanced capabilities for predicting complex protein interactions and integrating a broader range of biological data, making it a powerful tool for researchers in fields such as structural biology, drug discovery, and bioinformatics.

More Information

Employee Spotlight

James is a biochemist and structural biologist with years of experience. He has a deep understanding of structural biology encompassing cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and data processing, SAXS, and x-ray crystallography. His experience also includes significant experience with robotics for high-throughput crystallization screen setup; cryo-EM sample preparation on Vitrobot systems; optimization of ice and particle distribution for cryo-EM. James is very familiar with a variety of structure solution software, including ATSAS, Chimera, PyMol, coot, ccp4, Phenix, RELION, CisTEM, Sphire, EMAN2. James has also expanded work with structure software with additional computational expertise including general Linux/UNIX, Bash shell scripting, Adobe Illustrator & InDesign, and Git. James holds a BA in Biology and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics.James Fuller, Ph.D. - Director of Electron Microscopy

Featured Services

cryo-EM - Helix BioStructures is a leading provider of cryo-EM services. Equipped with four Krios and three Glacios microscopes, we produce high-quality cryo-EM data at industrial speed and at affordable rates. Importantly, we can purify the protein and go directly without freezing and thawing the protein. This leads to high-quality particles and increased success for our clients.Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your cryo-EM projects.

Helix is Hiring!!

Lab Operations Manager: We are looking to add an experienced Lab Operations Manager to our Indianapolis-based team. This role will manage and support the Helix team, planning & tracking all projects to produce high-quality work and support our client’s protein production, biophysical characterization, and structural biology projects.

Senior Scientist - Gene-to-Structure: We are looking to add an experienced senior scientist to join our Indianapolis-based team. This senior-level scientist will support our protein production and structural biology pipelines by producing proteins and setting up crystallization and/or cryo-EM experiments, interfacing with our clients, and writing technical project reports.

Apply Here

Helix Highlights

Helix Structure Room!

The Helix structure room was completed recently. We now have a dedicated structure room equipped with multiple instruments and robotic liquid handling systems to support Helix's X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM service lines.

Helix is a leading gene-to-structure services company in the United States. With our top-notch capabilities, skill sets, and experience, Helix can produce structures at high quality and with industrial efficiency for all our customers.

Instrument review

The QuantStudio 3 Real-Time PCR System is a versatile instrument that can be used for various applications, including thermal shift assays (TSA) to study protein stability. This instrument allows for precise temperature control and real-time fluorescence detection. Using the QuantStudio 3 for thermal shift assays (TSA) can provide valuable insights into protein stability and the effects of various ligands or conditions, facilitating drug discovery and protein engineering research.Biophysical characterization plays an essential role in drug discovery R&D. Helix offers biophysical characterization services using key instruments (ITC, SPR, BLI, MST, DLS, DSF, TSA, CD, LC/MS, SEC-MALS, Mass Photometry, and more) that cover all your research and project needs.