How to handle 2- or 3- start helix using the SPRING software?

[Hiroshi Imai]

Dear Carsten

The SPRING tutorial is fantastic and even I, a novice for helical reconstruction, was able to follow all the tutorial.

Now I would like to try helical reconstruction of microtubules.

TMV has one-start helix. On the other hand, microtubules have 2-, 3-, or 4- start helix as you know.

I guess, in principle, that the SPRING software could analyze microtubule structure.

Could you please let me know how to handle 2-, 3-, and 4- start helices using the SPRING?

If there are any instructions and/or good references under your recommendation, could you kindly let me know?

I would really appreciate it, if you can help me.

Best wishes,

Hiroshi

Osaka University

[Carsten Sachse]

Dear Hiroshi,

On Thursday, 7 June 2018 13:06:10 UTC+2, Hiroshi Imai wrote:

Dear Carsten

The SPRING tutorial is fantastic and even I, a novice for helical reconstruction, was able to follow all the tutorial.

Now I would like to try helical reconstruction of microtubules.

TMV has one-start helix. On the other hand, microtubules have 2-, 3-, or 4- start helix as you know.

You can specify the rotational symmetry in the following parameter:

Rotational symmetry 1 Additional x-fold rotational symmetry or x-number of helix start (accepted values min=1, max=100). 

I guess, in principle, that the SPRING software could analyze microtubule structure.

Yes, it can reconstruct helical structures of microtubules. Remember, most microtubules have a seam. There is currently no simple way to reconstruct a seam with Spring. Although in principle possible. If someone is interested in coding this part, I would be happy to implement it.

Best wishes,

Carsten