Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of GM2-activator protein

G(M2) activator protein is a glycolipid transfer protein cofactor necessary for the hydrolytic degradation of G(M2) ganglioside by beta-hexosaminidase A. Its absence in human tissue results in symptoms of type AB Tay-Sachs disease. The protein prepared by recombinant techniques using an E. coli expression system, has been crystallized by the vapor-diffusion technique. The crystals are well ordered and belong to the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The unit-cell dimensions are a = 42.40, b = 39.82, c = 113.61 A. One molecule is contained in the asymmetric unit.