Crystallization and preliminary X-ray investigation of the recombinant Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense calmodulin

Bipyramidal crystals of the recombinant calmodulin from Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense were obtained by vapor diffusion against 55% (v/v) 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol in 0.05 M cacodylate buffer, pH 5.6. When few nucleation events occurred, crystals grew to 0.25 x 0.25 x 1.20 mm. The space group of the crystal is I4(1)22, with unit cell dimensions a = b = 56.88 A, c = 230.11 A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, z = 16. The molecular mass and volume of the unit cell suggest that there is one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The I/sigma (I) ratio for data at 3.0 A resolution was 3.67, indicating that the final structure can be refined at higher resolution. Molecular replacement methods and the PC-refinement technique have not yet yielded the structure under a variety of search conditions. We are currently investigating the multiple isomorphous replacement approach to determine this crystal structure.