ATSAS 2.8: a comprehensive data analysis suite for small-angle scattering from macromolecular solutions

Abstract

ATSASis a comprehensive software suite for the analysis of small-angle scattering data from dilute solutions of biological macromolecules or nanoparticles. It contains applications for primary data processing and assessment,ab initiobead modelling, and model validation, as well as methods for the analysis of flexibility and mixtures. In addition, approaches are supported that utilize information from X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or atomistic homology modelling to construct hybrid models based on the scattering data. This article summarizes the progress made during the 2.5–2.8ATSASrelease series and highlights the latest developments. These includeAMBIMETER, an assessment of the reconstruction ambiguity of experimental data;DATCLASS, a multiclass shape classification based on experimental data;SASRES, for estimating the resolution ofab initiomodel reconstructions;CHROMIXS, a convenient interface to analyse in-line size exclusion chromatography data;SHANUM, to evaluate the useful angular range in measured data;SREFLEX, to refine available high-resolution models using normal mode analysis;SUPALMfor a rapid superposition of low- and high-resolution models; andSASPy, theATSASplugin for interactive modelling inPyMOL. All these features and other improvements are included in theATSASrelease 2.8, freely available for academic users from https://www.embl-hamburg.de/biosaxs/software.html.