Detailed Construction
Molecular Visualization of Toll-Like Receptor 3
Software: Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, VMD
Intended purpose: Toll-like receptors are a part of the innate immunity, non-specifically detecting various pathogens. TLR3 binds to dsRNA, a component unique to some types of viruses. The process of binding causes TLR3 to dimerize. A resulting signal cascade alerts other parts of the immune system to viral activity. This visualization highlights the dramatic ram-horn-like structure of the dimerized receptor as it is bound to dsRNA. It also notes the cellular location of the receptors,the lipid bilayer of the endosome. Warm colors and dramatic atmospheric perspective call attention to the central protein and the specific residues that bind to dsRNA. Close up,simplified views of the binding residues add detail and clarity to the visualization.
Size Relationships.
Toll-Like Receptor 3 exists in three different pieces in the Protein Data Bank: the domain in the lumen of the endosome, the trans-membrane helices, and the TIR domain. Finding and arranging the pieces with proper size relationships ensures accuracy in the final visualization. Homology modeling was necessary to produce a residue-accurate model of the TIR region via the Swiss Model Repository.
Different Ways to Tell a Story.
Initial concept sketches explore different ways to tell the story of TLR3’s unique cellular function.
Refined Concept Sketch
To keep size relationships correct, and project scope focused, a finalized story composition honed in on the essential function of TLR3: Its ability to bind to short lengths of viral dsRNA. The composition highlights the overall graceful form of the protein, calling out the specific residues responsible for binding. Initially, a warm color scheme was explored.
Final Draft
The final iteration experimented with a triadic color scheme, utilizing the warmer colors to draw forward the protein and important residues. The plasma membrane was generated in 3ds Max with a particle system, meticulously sized to be true to life. Labels on either side of the plasma membrane clarify the cellular location. Dotted lines between the endosomal domain and the trans-membrane domain denote a short length of variable protein structure.