issue contents

Journal logoSTRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN: 2053-230X

February 2026 issue

Highlighted illustration

Cover illustration: The crystal structure of an RNA complex composed of four strands was determined by the complementary use of bromine and phosphorus anomalous signals and revealed a pseudo-helical complex instead of the anticipated hairpin stem-loop, underscoring the intrinsic flexibility of RNA interactions and highlighting the discrepancies that can arise between functional and crystallized forms [Liu et al. (2026), Acta Cryst. F82, 57–65].

research communications


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We present a 2.13 Å resolution structure of DNA-free XPD from T. acidophilum in a novel orthorhombic lattice obtained under high ionic strength conditions. Compared with prior hexagonal forms, this structure features fewer crystal contacts and uniquely resolves loop 510–514. Interestingly, Tyr425 adopts an inward-facing conformation that would clash with DNA, suggesting a possible autoinhibitory role. These findings highlight how crystallization conditions influence lattice stability and reveal functionally relevant conformations.

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The striking blue colour of the American lobster is caused by proteins that interact with the red pigment astaxanthin, causing its colour change. We have purified and characterized the pigments from the American lobster for crystallographic and cryo-EM studies.

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This paper reports the structure solution of an RNA complex using anomalous scattering.
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