Enhancing Protein Crystallization through Precipitant Synergy
Majeed, S., Ofek, G., Belachew, A., Huang, C., Zhou, T., Kwong, P.D.(2003) Structure 11: 1061-1070
- PubMed: 12962625
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0969-2126(03)00185-0
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1PS5 - PubMed 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.
Organizational Affiliation:
Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.