Stealth carriers for low-resolution structure determination of membrane proteins in solution

Specifically deuterated phospholipid bilayer nanodiscs have been developed which give a minimal contribution to neutron scattering data when used in 100% D₂O. These provide an optimal platform for low-resolution structural determination of membrane proteins and their complexes in solution.

Small-angle scattering gives direct structural information about a membrane protein inside a lipid environment

A hybrid approach to the analysis of small-angle scattering data is presented, allowing determination of the orientation of bacteriorhodopsin reconstituted into a phopholipid nanodisc. The method is applicable to similar systems.