title: Biological X-ray absorption spectroscopy (BioXAS): a valuable tool for the study of trace elements in the life sciences.
abstract: Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) the binding modes (type and number of ligands, distances and geometry) and oxidation states of metals and other trace elements in crystalline as well as non-crystalline samples can be revealed. The method may be applied to biological systems as a 'stand-alone' technique, but it is particularly powerful when used alongside other X-ray and spectroscopic techniques and computational approaches. In this review, we highlight how biological XAS is being used in concert with crystallography, spectroscopy and computational chemistry to study metalloproteins in crystals, and report recent applications on relatively rare trace elements utilised by living organisms and metals involved in neurodegenerative diseases.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Biophysics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom. r.strange@liverpool.ac.uk
authors.forename: Richard W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Strange
authors.forename: Martin C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Feiters
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D002857:Chromium / Q000032:analysis; D004583:Electrons; D006219:Halogens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis / Q000528:radiation effects; D008958:Models, Molecular; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D009572:Nitrite Reductases / Q000737:chemistry; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000737:chemistry; D000072105:Superoxide Dismutase-1; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D006219:Halogens; D008670:Metals; C000606290:SOD1 protein, human; D014131:Trace Elements; D002857:Chromium; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D000072105:Superoxide Dismutase-1; D009572:Nitrite Reductases