Enhancing protein crystallization through precipitant synergy

Structure. 2003 Sep;11(9):1061-70. doi: 10.1016/s0969-2126(03)00185-0.

Abstract

Suitable conditions for protein crystallization are commonly identified by screening combinations of independent factors that affect crystal formation. Because precipitating agents are prime determinants of crystallization, we investigated whether a systematic exploration of combinations of mechanistically distinct precipitants would enhance crystallization. A crystallization screen containing 64 precipitant mixtures was devised. Tests with ten HIV envelope-related proteins demonstrated that use of precipitant mixtures significantly enhanced both the probability of crystallization as well as the quality of optimized crystals. Tests with hen egg white lysozyme generated a novel C2 crystal from a salt/organic solvent mixture; structure solution at 2 A resolution revealed a lattice held together by both hydrophobic and electrostatic dyad interactions. The results indicate that mechanistically distinct precipitants can synergize, with precipitant combinations adding unique dimensions to protein crystallization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemical Precipitation
  • Chickens
  • Crystallization
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Models, Molecular
  • Muramidase / chemistry
  • Protein Conformation
  • Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Muramidase

Associated data

  • PDB/1PS5