Membrane protein crystallization: approaching the problem and understanding the solutions

Gabrielsen, M., Gardiner, A.T., Fromme, P. and Cogdell, R.J. (2009) Membrane protein crystallization: approaching the problem and understanding the solutions. Current Topics in Membranes, 63, pp. 127-149. (doi: 10.1016/S1063-5823(09)63006-4)

Abstract

To the uninitiated, the process of crystallizing a membrane protein may appear rather daunting, due partly to the startling discrepancy between the number of soluble protein structures deposited in the Protein data base (PDB) compared with that for membrane proteins. As expression systems, vectors, purification, and refolding strategies for membrane proteins become more sophisticated for, and targeted towards, membrane proteins, ever increasing numbers are becoming available that are of sufficient purity/stability and are ready to undergo screening in crystallization trials. This chapter sets out to demystify membrane protein crystallization and present the process in a logical, accessible, and systematic manner for researchers unfamiliar to the field. By detailing the methods and techniques available, hopefully, this will provide a general understanding of membrane protein crystallization and allow rational and informed decisions to be made, either when crystals have been obtained or how to proceed if they have not.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cogdell, Professor Richard and Gardiner, Dr Alastair and Gabrielsen, Dr Mads
• Authors: Gabrielsen, M., Gardiner, A.T., Fromme, P., and Cogdell, R.J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
• Journal Name: Current Topics in Membranes
• ISSN: 1063-5823
• Published Online: 30 May 2009