Impact of AlphaFold on research and development

Crosslinking mass spectrometry is now a well-established experimental technique for investigating protein interactions, structure and function. Crosslinking MS also remains unparalleled in its ability to provide structural information in complex systems. This is particularly relevant in the light of the most recent revolutionary advancement in structural biology. Artificial intelligence program-based predictions of protein structure (e.g. by AlphaFold) are having a wide-ranging impact on our ability to model protein structures but also to study protein interactions that are yet to be fully understood. Crosslinking mass spectrometry offers here highly relevant experimental data. Using a crosslinking mass spectrometry study ofBacillus subtiliswe have investigated different aspects of joining AlphaFold and crosslinking. Particularly, the validity of the ipTM score was probed by crosslinking mass spectrometry, and we present the possibility of assembling larger complexes based on the pairwise data resulting from crosslinking mass spectrometry and the AlphaFold prediction of two-protein interactions. Ultimately, our structural understanding of biology stands to gain much from combining AlphaFold and crosslinking data, particularly in our drive towards building a structural and functional understanding of the cell.

Who is this course for?

This webinar is suitable for anyone interested in proteins, structural biology or applications of AI in life sciences.

Outcomes

By the end of the webinar you will be able to:

• Explore current applications of AlphaFold in research and development
• Identify challenges and opportunities for application of AlphaFold