Structural Biology

13 results.

August 26, 2026 For Legionella bacteria, taking over a cell means playing by its rules

Highlights Van Andel Institute scientists have discovered a new layer to the arms race between human cells and bacterial pathogens that infect them. The findings…

June 3, 2026 Cutting thinner, seeing deeper: The power of cryo-PFIB

For scientists, precision is everything. From studying the shapes of cells to investigating the functions of proteins, research relies on high-tech tools to advance our…

March 24, 2024 Tuberculosis is an ancient problem. Modern technology is helping solve it

Van Andel Institute’s Dr. Huilin Li is using modern technology to solve an ancient problem that still has devastating consequences today: tuberculosis (TB), a…

August 1, 2022 Five years of fueling discovery with cryo-EM

To understand life’s building blocks — the molecules that give structure to our cells, fuel our bodies and play integral roles in health and disease…

March 20, 2022 Cryo-EM reveals how ‘911’ molecule helps fix damaged DNA

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (March 21, 2022) — When something goes wrong during DNA replication, cells call their own version of 911 to pause the process…

June 23, 2021 A ‘tasty’ protein may lead to new ways to treat metabolic and immune diseases

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 24, 2021) — The same taste-sensing molecule that helps you enjoy a meal from your favorite restaurant may one day lead…

June 2, 2020 Near-atomic blueprint reveals inner workings of drug target for cancer, other diseases

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 3, 2020) — Van Andel Institute scientists have for the first time described the near-atomic level structure of a molecular pathway…

October 2, 2018 High-resolution “blueprint” reveals mechanism that helps E. coli infect the urinary tract

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (October 3, 2018) — A common gut bacterium uses a unique assembly apparatus to build hair-like structures that help it infect the…