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Konstantinos Alexandrou, Buse Isbilir, Andriko von Kügelgen, Tanmay A.M. Bharat, Shraddha Nayak (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Ave, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0QH)
Surface layers (S-layers) are ubiquitous, protein-based coats that envelope prokaryotic cells, from bacteria to archaea. Formed by the self-assembly of repeating protein subunits, these crystalline arrays not only protect the cell but also contribute to its structural integrity and adaptability in extreme environments. Despite being the most abundant family of proteins on our planet, the intricate organization and dynamic behavior of S-Layers remain only partially understood. In collaboration with Dr. Tanmay Bharat’s group at the MRC LMB, we developed an animation to translate their molecular data into an accessible visual narrative on microbial S-layers, as explored in their research on the S-layers of Caulobacter crescentus and Haloferax Volcanii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first 3D animation dedicated to microbial S-layers, providing a unique visual representation of their structure and dynamics. By transforming complex molecular data into an accessible format, this animation enhances scientific communication, aids in education, and supports further research on these widely abundant yet still poorly understood protein assemblies.