How to analyze and present SAS data for publication

Abstract

SAS is a powerful technique to investigate oligomeric state and domain organization of macromolecules, e.g. proteins and nucleic acids, under physiological, functional and even time resolved conditions. However, reconstructing three dimensional structures from SAS data is inherently ambiguous, as no information about orientation and phase is available. In addition experimental artifacts such as radiation damage, concentration effects and incorrect background subtraction can hinder the interpretation of even lead to wrong results. In this chapter, explanations on how to analyze data and how to assess and minimize the influence of experimental artifacts on the data. Furthermore, guidelines on how to present the resulting data and models to demonstrate the data supports the conclusion being made and that it is not biased by artifacts, will be given.