This October I drew 1
#pdb
molecule a day following an official
#inktober2021
prompt list. Picking proteins as my theme was risky but rewarding. Lesson learned: proteins are so versatile! See my 31 entries below and let me know your favorite.
A thread.
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 4/31
Prompt “knot”
I will be doing science
#inktober
featuring molecules in
#pdb
Here is a structure of MJ0366. One of a few curious proteins that fold into a knot (2EFV). How do they do it is still a mystery.
Next up is “raven”
@buildmodels
@dsgoodsell
@inktober
#Sciartober
I spent entire Friday night signing my inktober artwork and framing a few of my favorites. It took me shockingly long time. I hope to make an announcement soon about how to download these, so check out my earlier posts to see all 31 images and stay tuned!
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 23/31
Prompt LEAK
Pdb 6poj
I’m drawing molecules in
#pdb
this
#inktober
Here is Human aquaporin 1. The first discovered selective water channel present in lipid membranes of cells. Love
#NMR
ensembles.
Next prompt: EXTINCT. Send your suggestions!
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
I’m drawing one molecule a day this October inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 26/31
Prompt REMOVE
De-ubiquitinating enzyme removing a
#ubiquitin
tag.
My favorite is USP7 (pdb 1NBF). It’s actually shaped as a right hand.
Next BEAST
#inktober
#sciart
I’m so excited to share this!
Please visit the exhibit of my Pdb-inspired artwork beautifully put together by
@PDBeurope
. Walk through the virtual gallery hallways and take a closer look at every piece.
Please share.
#sciart
#ink
#inktober
@heatherihnart
Day 2/31 of
#inktober2023
Prompt: SPIDERS
Spider dragline silk protein Spidroin 1 (pdb 7wio)
Some dragline spider silk can be as strong or even stronger than steel.
Tomorrow’s prompt is PATH. Please send your suggestions.
Day 20/31
I draw molecules in
#pdb
this
#inktober
Prompt: SPROUT
Pdb: 1LR5
Nominated by
@DaveASci
Here is Auxin-Binding Protein 1. It recognizes plant hormone Auxin and regulates plant growth.
Next prompt is FUZZY and I would love your pdb nominations!
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 1/31 of
#inktober2023
Prompt: DREAM
Human melatonin receptor MT2 (pdb 6me6)
Melatonin promotes sleep and contributes to our vivid dreams
Next prompt is SPIDERS, please send me your suggestions!
This little Zn-binding domain is loosing its marbles :)
A drawing of PML bbox1 domain struggling to keep its zincs together.
Pdb: 2mvw
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
#NMR
Day 26/31
I’m featuring molecules in
#pdb
this
#inktober
Prompt: “Connect”
Here is ubiquitin (1UBQ). I could not skip this classic! It connects to its targets, it connects to itself, it connects molecules that otherwise would not find each other…
@PDBeurope
@PDBeurope
This October I’m drawing one molecule a day inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 30/31
Prompt RUSH
Caffeine blocks adenosine A2A receptor and provides a little rush that helps us wake up.
Pdb 3RFM
Last: FIRE🔥
Please send your suggestions
#inktober
#sciart
Day 7/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by protein structure
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt: DRIP
pdb: 1iqd
Coagulation Factor VIII prevents excessive bleeding by promoting blood clotting. Its deficiency causes hemophilia.
Next prompt is TOAD
Please send your suggestions
Day 3/31 of
#inktober2023
Prompt: PATH
A path of protein folding
FF domain of pre-mRNA-processing factor 40 folds into its native conformation (1uzc) through a transient intermediate (2kzg) that can be captured by fancy NMR.
Next prompt is: DODGE. Please send suggestions
I’m drawing one molecule a day every day this October inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 22/31
Prompt SCRATCHY
A molecule of major cat allergen Fel d1
pdb: 1puo
Next prompt is CELESTIAL
please send your suggestions
#sciart
@inktober
#inktober2023
Day 5/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by protein structure
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt: MAP
A molecule of MAP kinase - an important enzyme at the crossroads of many cellular signaling pathways
Next prompt is GOLDEN. Looking forward to your suggestions.
Day 15/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt DAGGER
Thank you
@jnpruneda
for this perfect tip: a spike of the Type 6 Secretion System (pdb 4jiv) does not just look like a dagger, it’s actually used to piece cells!
Next ANGEL
suggestions needed
Day 4/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by protein structures
Prompt: DODGE
SARS-CoV-2 protein ORF8 dodges the immune system by rapidly evolving and interfering with immune responses.
Pdb: 7jtl
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
#sciart
Next prompt is MAP, please send your suggestions.
This October I’m drawing one molecule a day inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 27/31
Prompt BEAST
Telomerase TERT in action.
Telomerase extends telomere sequences at chromosomal ends to protect genomic DNA
pdb 6USP
Next SPARKLE
#sciart
#telomere
#inktober
Day 9/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by protein structure
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt: BOUNCE
A fragment of Myosin. Myosins are best known for their role in muscle contraction and trafficking cargo in the cell.
pdb: 2n11
Next prompt is FORTUNE. Please send your suggestions
Day 1/31
Prompt “crystal”
I will be doing science
#inktober
this year featuring molecules in
#pdb
.
Here is a structure of Human GammaD Crystallin (1HK0). A protein that makes our eye lenses crystal clear.
@buildmodels
@dsgoodsell
@inktober
Day 10/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
Prompt FORTUNE
Pdb 1LPH
This one is a bit personal
Synthetic insulin that saves my life every day.
As a
#diabetic
I’m fortunate to have it as so many diseases remain untreatable
Next is WANDER
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
I’m drawing one molecule a day every day this October inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 23/31
Prompt CELESTIAL
Endonuclease Eco RI (pdb: 1CKQ)
One of the proteins crystallized at the International Space Station.
Next: SHALLOW
Please send suggestions!
I’m drawing a protein a day this October inspired by
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Day 28/31
Prompt: SPARKLE
Carbonic anhydrase (pdb 3UYQ).
It contributes to the sparkling feeling we get when drinking carbonated beverages.
Thanks to
@LindorffLarsen
for the tip.
Next: MASSIVE
Day 14/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt: CASTLE
Tertramerization domain of tumor suppressor protein p53 - “the guardian of the genome”
Pdb: 1SAE
Next is DAGGER. Please send your suggestions.
#sciart
@inktober
Day 13/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
Prompt: RISE
Active site of yeast enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase that breaks pyruvate into acetaldehyde and CO2, which makes the yeast dough rise
Next: CASTLE Send your suggestions, I really need them!
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
This October I’m drawing one molecule a day inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 29/31
Prompt MASSIVE
Titin - the largest human protein. It’s 34,350 residues long and contains 244 domains. It’s key for muscle elasticity.
Next RUSH
#inktober
#titin
#sciart
Day 8/31
Prompt “Watch”
I am doing science
#inktober
featuring molecules in
#pdb
Here is PAS-A domain of circadian clock protein CLOCK (6QPJ), a part of our time-keeping system.
Next up is “pressure”, and I would love pdb suggestions.
@buildmodels
@inktober
#Sciartober
I’m drawing one molecule a day every day this October inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 24/31
Prompt SHALLOW
A pore-forming toxin from strawberry anemone (Actinia fragacea) that thrives in shallow waters.
Pdb: 4TSY
Next: DANGEROUS
#inktober
#sciart
In October, the wonderful
@IrinaBezsonova
created a PDB artwork each day as part of
#inktober2023
. We are delighted to share all these artworks, descriptions and PDB entry links on our
#PDBart
project pages.
👇View all the artworks👇
This October I’ve been drawing one molecule a day every day inspired by proteins in pdb
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Day 31/31
Last prompt: FIRE
Inflammasome (pdb 3JBL).
Thanks to
@jnpruneda
for the tip!
Thank you for sharing this month with me, everyone.
#inktober
#sciart
I’m drawing one molecule a day every day this October inspired by proteins in pdb
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 25/31
Prompt DANGER⚠️
Pdb 6KR8
Adrenergic receptor beta-2. It binds to adrenaline and causes our “fight-or-flight” response to danger.
#GPCR
#sciart
#inktober2023
Day 18/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Prompt: SADDLE
TATA-binding protein (1QNE)
Doesn’t it look like a saddle?
A transcription factor that straddles DNA and interacts with regulatory proteins.
Next PLUMP
Please send your suggestions
#sciart
Day 24/31 of
#inktober
I’m drawing molecules in
#pdb
Prompt: extinct
Here is hemoglobin of wooly mammoth (3VRE)
Next prompt is “splat” and I would love pdb suggestions!
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Day 31/31 of
#inktober
Prompt “RISK”
…and done!
The challenge was risky and hard but I’m glad I stuck to it. I learned a lot both about ink and about science. Absolutely could not have done it without you!
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
#inktober2021risk
Day 20/31 of
#inktober
inspired by proteins
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Prompt FROST
Bacterial ice-nucleation protein (6m9i) forms a lattice that structures water to induce ice formation
Bacteria in the clouds use it to catch a ride back to Earth
Thanks
@redpenblackpen
for the tip!
Day 12/31 of
#inktober2023
Prompt: Spicy
Capsaicin receptor TRPV1 (pdb 7LR0). This beautiful tetramer lets us feel the heat of spicy chili peppers and warns us of other potentially dangerous things.
Next is: RISE
Please send your suggestions!
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Day 19/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Prompt: PLUMP
Botulinum neurotoxin - the secret ingredient of Botox (2VU9). It’s used in beauty treatments but also to manage pain and movement disorders.
Next: FROST
Please send your suggestions
#sciart
Day 17/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
Prompt DEMON
Molecules of Keratin 1 and 10 (pdb 6EC0)
Keratins make up hair, nails, horns and hooves in vertebrates
Thanks to
@Illimar
for this suggestion!
Next SADDLE
Please send your ideas.
#sciart
Day 6/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by protein structure
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt: GOLDEN
A part of inner capsid particle + dsRNA of the Golden Shiner Reovirus (pdb: 8FJK)
Next prompt is DRIP
Proteins are dynamic! We captured spontaneous activation of deubiquitinating enzyme
#USP7
in solution using
#NMR
relaxation dispersion. Preprint is now available in
@biorxivpreprint
. Check it out.
#ubiquitin
Day 12 of
#inktober
Prompt “stuck”
#pdb
6Y1A
Sometimes proteins get stuck to each other and form highly regular amyloid structures instead of folding into their native shape. Here are amyloids from pancreatic islets that may cause type2 diabetes.
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
#cryoem
Day 16/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt ANGEL
AZUL domain of ubiquitin ligase UBE3A.
It’s deficiency causes Angelman syndrome - a genetic disorder that affects nervous system
Next prompt is: demon. Please send your suggestions
#angelman
Day 25/31 of
#inktober
Prompt Splat
I’m featuring molecules in
#PDB
SEA domain of mucin 1 (pdb 2ACM). Mucins provide framework of the mucus fluid, which protects all mucosal epithelial surfaces. I imagine it’s pretty slimy and probably lands with a splat!
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Day 29/31 of
#inktober
Prompt: PATCH
I’m drawing molecules in
#pdb
Here is Very-Short-PATCH DNA repair endonuclease bound to its reaction product site (1ODG).
Next prompt is “Slither” and I would love pdb nominations!
@PDBeurope
@buildmodels
#pdbart
#DNA
Day 21/31 of
#inktober2023
inspired by proteins in
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
Prompt: CHAINS
Antibody against Ebola virus (6N7U). Antibodies consist of light and heavy chains. They block viruses from entering the cell.
Next: SCRATCHY.
Please send your suggestions
#sciart
Day 15/31 of
#inktober
Prompt: HELMET
Pdb: 6DFK
11S subunit of P. falciparum proteasome.
It caps the proteasome and makes sure only the right proteins are allowed inside for degradation. It looks just like a helmet of a Spartan warrior, doesn’t it?
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
It’s not the most glamorous paper but an important stepping stone for the lab. The NMR assignment of USP7 methyl groups opens doors for more exciting solution NMR studies of this large fascinating enzyme’s function, structure and dynamics.
Here is a beta-propeller motif drawn in ink. I did it for Inktober prompt “BLADE” and thought I would share. Protein structures are just amazing whichever way you look at them.
New Newsletter! PDB50 recap; 2021 Statistics; PDB Citation MeSH Network Explorer, and more; Education Corner on Inktober SciArt Celebrating PDB50 by the amazing
@IrinaBezsonova
My newest ink drawing of a local bridge.
Crosshatching is a welcome distraction from grant writing.
On a related note: what’s your go-to NIH study section for
#ubiquitin
biology grants?
Please RT! Still looking for a postdoc in NMR and integrative structural biology. An NIH funded
#postdoc
fellowship is available to study structure and dynamics of a large enzyme using
#NMR
+
#cryoEM
+
#Xraycrystallography
+
#biochem
Day 18/31
#pdb
#inktober
Prompt “Moon”
There are no proteins on the Moon but here is a moon jelly (Aurelia Aurita) and its protein aurelin (2LG4) that has antimicrobial properties.
@inktober
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
More art from the garden. Soft pastels painting of some fancy daffodils. What do you think? Also submitted a paper today, so fingers crossed for a favorable review.
Pleas RT
Our paper is published in the newest issue of Structure!
NMR is a perfect tool to study protein dynamics. Here we show that Zn-coordination can be dynamic too. In the case of PML, its dynamics has important functional consequences for sensing oxidative stress.
Team headed by Irina Bezsonova combined NMR, biochemical and cell biology experiments and show that a conformationally dynamic Zn-finger within B-box1 sensitizes PML to oxidation
@IrinaBezsonova
@uconnhealth
Recommended for promotion with tenure!
I could not have done it without my huge support group! My students, my mentors, my collaborators, my family and my friends!
We were delighted to work with
@IrinaBezsonova
in creating a virtual exhibition of her
#inktober
artworks - these beautiful, fascinating depictions of molecular structures were inspired from keywords such as 'connect' and 'leak'.
View the exhibition:
Getting ready to do it again. Art and science lovers, please join me!
I will attempt to draw a protein structure from pdb every day of October inspired by the
#inktober
prompt list.
Please give me your suggestions!
Tomorrow’s prompt is “dream”
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
#sciart
Day 14/31
I’m doing
#inktober
drawing molecules from
#pdb
Today’s prompt is “TICK”
Here is Ixolaris, a protein from tick saliva that prevents blood coagulation after the bite.
Pdb: 6NAN
Next prompt is “helmet” and I would love pdb suggestions!
@buildmodels
@PDBeurope
#pdbart