Changing the light source in the spectrometric technique circular dichroism has opened up new possibilities for measuring the structure and function of proteins in genomic research.

Andy Miles and Bonnie Ann Wallace, both from Birkbeck College, UK, have been exploring the possibilities synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) has to offer in genomics research, both in determining the structure and function of the genome.

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy has been advanced by using a synchrotron to provide a more powerful polarised light source, and this makes the technique ideal for genomic research. 

CD spectroscopy works by measuring the amount of polarised light adsorbed by molecules, but provides limited information when compared to other techniques such as X-ray diffraction or nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. However, one advantage of CD spectroscopy over other techniques is its ability to detect interactions between proteins and other molecules. The changing structure of proteins themselves can also be determined.

SRCD can provide information on lower light wavelengths, indicating previously undetectable protein structures. The better light source ensures a higher signal to noise ratio and allows more data to be collected in less time.

Merlin A Fox