ITABAG: Crystallographic investigations on macromolecules for a structure-based approach to One Health

The ITABAG includes structural biologists from Universities, the National Research Council and Hospital research centers as well as other public research centers in Italy. Synchrotron light is used to collect single-crystal X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering data to study the structure-function relationships in various macromolecules. The ultimate goal is to gather structural knowledge about proteins involved in key molecular mechanisms that could support actions to improve the health of all living organisms on earth. The macromolecules under study are mainly linked to human health, but also to animal and plant health, in the context of a One Health approach. They include human proteins involved in diseases, proteins expressed by human pathogens and validated as potential pharmacological targets, animal and plant viral proteins, or macromolecules with potential biotechnological applications, including drug delivery.