High-density X-ray based fragment-screening using CrystalDirect, EMBL-GR
Service Description:
EMBL Grenoble operates the High Throughput Crystallization Facility (HTX lab). This facility offers access to fully automated, remote controlled crystallography pipelines based on the CrystalDirect technology and the CRIMS software. Data collection is carried out at the ESRF MX beamlines operated by the ESRF- EMBL Joint Structural Biology and Imaging Group.
This service combines Acoustic dispensing technology (ADE) with automated CrystalDirect harvesting to deliver high density FBDD enabling to process >1000 experiments in a 96 well–plate and multiple plates per target, thus increasing experimental densities in FBDD and enabling wider coverage of the chemical space around any given target. It includes automated pipelines for data processing and hit identification based on the Global Phasing Ltd Pipedream software integrated into the CRIMS sample tracking and data management system.
User guidelines:
This pilot study is designed for soluble proteins of high biomedical or biotechnological potential. A robust and highly reproducible crystallisation system (high crystallisation, high diffraction rate, and high resolution) in nanovolume scale is a pre-requisite. The initial experiments will focus on establishing reproducibility, technical feasibility and scalability. Only upon successful completion of each of these phases the project will move to screening phase.
- Sample Requirements: The user must provide sufficient sample at the crystallisation concentration as well as robust and reproducible crystallisation conditions.
- Technical Setup: The project will be carried out at the HTX lab in EMBL Grenoble and will progress through, validation, scalability and screening phases .
- Workflow & Timeline: Samples will be subjected to the Online Crystallography pipeline based on the CrystalDirect technology and the CRIMS software. Users can ship the sample to the facility by express courier and follow and control the experimental process in real time through CRIMS. Data processing pipelines based on the Global Phasing Pipedream software will be applied for automated data analysis and hit identification. Validation and scalability is expected to be completed within two months followed by the screening phase. Fragment libraries will be provided by the HTX Lab.
- Consultation: Users are strongly encouraged to consult with he facility manager for project feasibility and compatibility.
- Expected timeline for the access: May-October 2026
