Searching for Target Sites on DNA
Client:
Johan Elf’s research group consists of approximately 20 physicists, engineers, computer scientists, molecular biologists, mathematicians, and microbiologists working together on the development of experimental techniques to test different models of how the cell functions at the molecular level. Their work involves formulating mathematical theories to generate precise predictions and test models; however, the majority of their efforts are focused on developing experimental techniques that are sensitive enough to validate specific predictions.
Johan Elf’s research group consists of approximately 20 physicists, engineers, computer scientists, molecular biologists, mathematicians, and microbiologists working together on the development of experimental techniques to test different models of how the cell functions at the molecular level. Their work involves formulating mathematical theories to generate precise predictions and test models; however, the majority of their efforts are focused on developing experimental techniques that are sensitive enough to validate specific predictions.
Client:
Project goal
Create an educational molecular animation that accurately depicts different strategies employed by enzymes that search for specific target sites on the DNA molecules.
Bacterial nucleoid with DNA and various proteins
TF and the target DNA changing conformation
Lac repressor not attached to the DNA
“That is really beautiful! You all did a very good job with it. It looks (and sounds) fantastic!”
“That is really beautiful! You all did a very good job with it. It looks (and sounds) fantastic!”
Research Coordinator at Uppsala University
CRISPR-Cas complex in the bacterial cytoplasm
CRISPR-Cas complex attaches to a PAM
CRISPR-effector unwinds and probes the DNA
The Process
Animation type:
High-end 3D
Project timline:
12 weeks
Review:
1 zoom call + 5 e-mail feedback sessions
Team:
Find out which of our 26 scientific animation options works best for investor relations and communications:
The animation showcases two molecular complexes—the Lac repressor and the CRISPR/Cas effector—that search for specific DNA target sites. The Lac repressor spends approximately 90% of its time bound to DNA, sliding along it, whereas CRISPR complexes move predominantly through three-dimensional space and probe DNA sites adjacent to PAM sequences. For this project, our team employed a wide range of computational biology methods to model and depict these complex molecular interactions as accurately as possible. The models were based on existing PDB entries, which we modified and used in molecular dynamics simulations. We applied the constant force pulling method to guide proteins toward DNA, and for certain steps we employed a less computationally intensive approach involving adiabatic mapping and interpolation between starting and intermediate states.
Why did we use this
animation type?
Because the project required extensive molecular dynamics simulations and advanced computational biology techniques, the resulting animation was produced in our most sophisticated high-end 3D style.
This style is the most resource-intensive; however, even when only part of an animation is rendered this way, high-end scenes typically serve as highlights and the most visually engaging elements of a project. High-end 3D is particularly well suited for educational projects aimed at advanced and professional audiences.
Full animation
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Visual Science is an award-winning medical animation and digital scientific communications company, trusted by leading biotech and pharmaceutical organizations since 2007, including J&J, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, Takeda, Gilead, AbbVie, and 100+ others.
We specialize in science-grade MoA and MoD videos, medical animation, and scientific storytelling, as well as digital and AI-driven solutions for Medical Affairs, marketing, corporate communications, and investor relations.
© 2026, Visual Science. All rights reserved.
Visual Science is an award-winning medical animation and digital scientific communications company, trusted by leading biotech and pharmaceutical organizations since 2007, including J&J, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, Takeda, Gilead, AbbVie, and 100+ others.
We specialize in science-grade MoA and MoD videos, medical animation, and scientific storytelling, as well as digital and AI-driven solutions for Medical Affairs, marketing, corporate communications, and investor relations.
© 2026, Visual Science. All rights reserved.
Visual Science is an award-winning medical animation and digital scientific communications company, trusted by leading biotech and pharmaceutical organizations since 2007, including J&J, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, Takeda, Gilead, AbbVie, and 100+ others.
We specialize in science-grade MoA and MoD videos, medical animation, and scientific storytelling, as well as digital and AI-driven solutions for Medical Affairs, marketing, corporate communications, and investor relations.
© 2026, Visual Science. All rights reserved.
Visual Science is an award-winning medical animation and digital scientific communications company, trusted by leading biotech and pharmaceutical organizations since 2007, including J&J, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, Takeda, Gilead, AbbVie, and 100+ others.
We specialize in science-grade MoA and MoD videos, medical animation, and scientific storytelling, as well as digital and AI-driven solutions for Medical Affairs, marketing, corporate communications, and investor relations.
© 2026, Visual Science. All rights reserved.
