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Crystallizing Membrane Proteins for Structure Determination using Lipidic Mesophases
Published on: November 21, 2010
Two-dimensional crystallogenesis of transmembrane proteins.
1LPCC, UMR168-CNRS, Institut Curie-Section de Recherche, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France. gervaise.mosser@lps.ens.fr
Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Growing high-quality two-dimensional crystals is essential for determining macromolecular structures using electron crystallography. This review explores methods and factors influencing 2D crystallogenesis to improve structural determination success.
Area of Science:
- Structural Biology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Two-dimensional (2D) crystallogenesis is vital for macromolecular structure determination via electron crystallography.
- Obtaining large, highly ordered 2D crystals remains a significant bottleneck, limiting structural resolution despite technological advancements.
- Current 2D crystal growth often relies on empirical methods or serendipity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the field of 2D crystallogenesis for electron crystallography.
- To discuss various types of 2D crystals and crystallization methods.
- To provide a guide for setting up 2D crystallogenesis experiments.
Main Methods:
- Description of different types of 2D crystals encountered.
- Discussion of various crystallization techniques, including dialysis and hydrophobic adsorption.
- Analysis of the impact of key components (protein, lipids, detergent, buffer, temperature) on crystal growth.
Main Results:
- The review details factors influencing 2D crystal formation, drawing parallels with 3D crystallogenesis.
- It categorizes different 2D crystals and crystallization approaches.
- A practical guide for initiating 2D crystallogenesis experiments is proposed.
Conclusions:
- Improving 2D crystallogenesis is crucial for advancing electron crystallography and macromolecular structure determination.
- Understanding the effects of various components and methods can optimize crystal growth.
- This review aims to foster further research and discussion in the field of 2D crystallogenesis.
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