A rapid and efficient purification method for recombinant annexin V for biophysical studies

Annexin V binds in a calcium-dependent manner to acidic phospholipids and exhibits ion channel activity in vitro. We are investigating mutants of annexin V by single channel measurements, X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy in order to understand the structure-function relationships of the ion channel activity. We describe here a method to obtain very pure recombinant annexin V required for such studies. The initial step is the mild opening of the bacterial cells by an osmotic shock. In the purification procedure, use is made of the reversible calcium-mediated binding of annexin V to liposomes. In the last purification step the protein is subjected to ion-exchange chromatography and elutes as a single peak free of any detectable contaminants.