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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
07:08
Author Spotlight: Advancing Protein Structure Analysis for Drug Development
Published on: March 8, 2024
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Crystallization of dienelactone hydrolase in two space groups: structural changes caused by crystal packing
Joanne L Porter1, Paul D Carr1, Charles A Collyer2
1Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Building 137, Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
Summary
Dienelactone hydrolase (DLH) protein structure was analyzed in two different crystal forms. Different crystallization conditions revealed distinct protein-protein interfaces and affected active site accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Crystallography
Background:
- Dienelactone hydrolase (DLH) is a monomeric protein featuring a common α/β-hydrolase fold.
- DLH is known to crystallize readily in space group P2₁2₁2₁.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the crystal structure of DLH in a different space group (C2).
- To investigate how different crystallization conditions influence protein structure and intermolecular interactions.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography
- Protein structure determination at 1.85 Å resolution
- Analysis of crystal packing and intermolecular contacts
Main Results:
- The structure of DLH was determined in space group C2, revealing two molecules in the asymmetric unit.
- Crystallization in P2₁2₁2₁ resulted in bound phosphates or sulfates, including in the active site, hindering substrate binding.
- Crystallization in C2 led to novel protein-protein interfaces, altering side-chain orientations and loop positioning without significant backbone changes.
Conclusions:
- DLH exhibits flexibility in surface loops and side chains, allowing adaptation to different crystal lattice formations.
- Crystallization conditions significantly impact DLH structure, active site accessibility, and intermolecular interactions.
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