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Ross B, Krapp S, Geiss-Friedlander R, Littmann W, Huber R, Kiefersauer R. Aerosol-based ligand soaking of reservoir-free protein crystals. J Appl Crystallogr 2021; 54:895-902. [PMID: 34188616 PMCID: PMC8202026 DOI: 10.1107/s1600576721003551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Soaking of macromolecular crystals allows the formation of complexes via diffusion of molecules into a preformed crystal for structural analysis. Soaking offers various advantages over co-crystallization, e.g. small samples and high-throughput experimentation. However, this method has disadvantages, such as inducing mechanical stress on crystals and reduced success rate caused by low affinity/solubility of the ligand. To bypass these issues, the Picodropper was previously developed in the authors' laboratory. This technique aimed to deliver small volumes of compound solution in response to crystal dehydration supported by the Free Mounting System humidity control or by IR-laser-induced protein crystal transformation. Herein, a new related soaking development, the Aerosol-Generator, is introduced. This device delivers compounds onto the solution-free surface of protein crystals using an ultrasonic technique. The produced aerosol stream enables an easier and more accurate control of solution volumes, reduced crystal handling, and crystal-size-independent soaking. The Aerosol-Generator has been used to produce complexes of DPP8 crystals, where otherwise regular soaking did not achieve complex formation. These results demonstrate the potential of this device in challenging ligand-binding scenarios and contribute to further understanding of DPP8 inhibitor binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breyan Ross
- Max Planck Institut für Biochemie, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stephan Krapp
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ruth Geiss-Friedlander
- Center of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Walter Littmann
- ATHENA Technologie Beratung GmbH, Technologiepark 13, D-33100 Paderborn, Germany
| | - Robert Huber
- Max Planck Institut für Biochemie, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Zentrum für Medizinische Biotechnologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
- Fakultät für Chemie, Technische Universität München, D-85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Reiner Kiefersauer
- Max Planck Institut für Biochemie, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
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Trampari S, Valmas A, Logotheti S, Saslis S, Fili S, Spiliopoulou M, Beckers D, Degen T, Nénert G, Fitch AN, Calamiotou M, Karavassili F, Margiolaki I. In situ detection of a novel lysozyme monoclinic crystal form upon controlled relative humidity variation. J Appl Crystallogr 2018. [DOI: 10.1107/s1600576718013936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of relative humidity (rH) on protein crystal structures, an area that has attracted high scientific interest during the past decade, is investigated in this study on hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) polycrystalline precipitates via in situ laboratory X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) measurements. For this purpose, HEWL was crystallized at room temperature and pH 4.5, leading to a novel monoclinic HEWL phase which, to our knowledge, has not been reported before. Analysis of XRPD data collected upon rH variation revealed several structural modifications. These observations, on a well-studied molecule like HEWL, underline not only the high impact of humidity levels on biological crystal structures, but also the significance of in-house XRPD as an analytical tool in industrial drug development and its potential to provide information for enhancing manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
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The Y. bercovieri Anbu crystal structure sheds light on the evolution of highly (pseudo)symmetric multimers. J Mol Biol 2017; 430:611-627. [PMID: 29258816 PMCID: PMC6376114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ancestral β-subunit (Anbu) is homologous to HslV and 20S proteasomes. Based on its phylogenetic distribution and sequence clustering, Anbu has been proposed as the “ancestral” form of proteasomes. Here, we report biochemical data, small-angle X-ray scattering results, negative-stain electron microscopy micrographs and a crystal structure of the Anbu particle from Yersinia bercovieri (YbAnbu). All data are consistent with YbAnbu forming defined 12–14 subunit multimers that differ in shape from both HslV and 20S proteasomes. The crystal structure reveals that YbAnbu subunits form tight dimers, held together in part by the Anbu specific C-terminal helices. These dimers (“protomers”) further assemble into a low-rise left-handed staircase. The lock-washer shape of YbAnbu is consistent with the presence of defined multimers, X-ray diffraction data in solution and negative-stain electron microscopy images. The presented structure suggests a possible evolutionary pathway from helical filaments to highly symmetric or pseudosymmetric multimer structures. YbAnbu subunits have the Ntn-hydrolase fold, a putative S1 pocket and conserved candidate catalytic residues Thr1, Asp17 and Lys32(33). Nevertheless, we did not detect any YbAnbu peptidase or amidase activity. However, we could document orthophosphate production from ATP catalyzed by the ATP-grasp protein encoded in the Y. bercovieri Anbu operon.
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Locating and Visualizing Crystals for X-Ray Diffraction Experiments. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2017; 1607:143-164. [PMID: 28573572 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7000-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Macromolecular crystallography has advanced from using macroscopic crystals, which might be >1 mm on a side, to crystals that are essentially invisible to the naked eye, or even under a standard laboratory microscope. As crystallography requires recognizing crystals when they are produced, and then placing them in an X-ray, electron, or neutron beam, this provides challenges, particularly in the case of advanced X-ray sources, where beams have very small cross sections and crystals may be vanishingly small. Methods for visualizing crystals are reviewed here, and examples of different types of cases are presented, including: standard crystals, crystals grown in mesophase, in situ crystallography, and crystals grown for X-ray Free Electron Laser or Micro Electron Diffraction experiments. As most techniques have limitations, it is desirable to have a range of complementary techniques available to identify and locate crystals. Ideally, a given technique should not cause sample damage, but sometimes it is necessary to use techniques where damage can only be minimized. For extreme circumstances, the act of probing location may be coincident with collecting X-ray diffraction data. Future challenges and directions are also discussed.
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de Oliveira Mann CC, Kiefersauer R, Witte G, Hopfner KP. Structural and biochemical characterization of the cell fate determining nucleotidyltransferase fold protein MAB21L1. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27498. [PMID: 27271801 PMCID: PMC4897736 DOI: 10.1038/srep27498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The exceptionally conserved metazoan MAB21 proteins are implicated in cell fate decisions and share considerable sequence homology with the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase. cGAS is the major innate immune sensor for cytosolic DNA and produces the second messenger 2′-5′, 3′-5′ cyclic GMP-AMP. Little is known about the structure and biochemical function of other proteins of the cGAS-MAB21 subfamily, such as MAB21L1, MAB21L2 and MAB21L3. We have determined the crystal structure of human full-length MAB21L1. Our analysis reveals high structural conservation between MAB21L1 and cGAS but also uncovers important differences. Although monomeric in solution, MAB21L1 forms a highly symmetric double-pentameric oligomer in the crystal, raising the possibility that oligomerization could be a feature of MAB21L1. In the crystal, MAB21L1 is in an inactive conformation requiring a conformational change - similar to cGAS - to develop any nucleotidyltransferase activity. Co-crystallization with NTP identified a putative ligand binding site of MAB21 proteins that corresponds to the DNA binding site of cGAS. Finally, we offer a structure-based explanation for the effects of MAB21L2 mutations in patients with eye malformations. The underlying residues participate in fold-stabilizing interaction networks and mutations destabilize the protein. In summary, we provide a first structural framework for MAB21 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina C de Oliveira Mann
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Gene Center and Dept. of Biochemistry, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Reiner Kiefersauer
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, Bunsenstraße 7a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gregor Witte
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Gene Center and Dept. of Biochemistry, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Karl-Peter Hopfner
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Gene Center and Dept. of Biochemistry, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Lobley CMC, Sandy J, Sanchez-Weatherby J, Mazzorana M, Krojer T, Nowak RP, Sorensen TL. A generic protocol for protein crystal dehydration using the HC1b humidity controller. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2016; 72:629-40. [PMID: 27139626 PMCID: PMC4854313 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798316003065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydration may change the crystal lattice and affect the mosaicity, resolution and quality of X-ray diffraction data. A dehydrating environment can be generated around a crystal in several ways with various degrees of precision and complexity. This study uses a high-precision crystal humidifier/dehumidifier to provide an airstream of known relative humidity in which the crystals are mounted: a precise yet hassle-free approach to altering crystal hydration. A protocol is introduced to assess the impact of crystal dehydration systematically applied to nine experimental crystal systems. In one case, that of glucose isomerase, dehydration triggering a change of space group from I222 to P21212 was observed. This observation is supported by an extended study of the behaviour of the glucose isomerase crystal structure during crystal dehydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina M. C. Lobley
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, England
| | - James Sandy
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, England
| | | | - Marco Mazzorana
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, England
| | - Tobias Krojer
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, England
| | - Radosław P. Nowak
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, England
| | - Thomas L. Sorensen
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, England
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Sanchez-Weatherby J, Moraes I. Crystal Dehydration in Membrane Protein Crystallography. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 922:73-89. [PMID: 27553236 PMCID: PMC6126552 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-35072-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Crystal dehydration has been successfully implemented to facilitate the structural solution of a number of soluble and membrane protein structures over the years. This chapter will present the currently available tools to undertake controlled crystal dehydration, focusing on some successful membrane protein cases. Also discussed here will be some practical considerations regarding membrane protein crystals and the relationship between different techniques in order to help researchers to select the most suitable technique for their projects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Moraes
- Membrane Protein Laboratory, Diamond Light Source/Imperial College London, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire UK
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Huang Q, Szebenyi DME. Improving diffraction resolution using a new dehydration method. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2016; 72:152-9. [PMID: 26841767 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x16000261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The production of high-quality crystals is one of the major obstacles in determining the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules by X-ray crystallography. It is fairly common that a visually well formed crystal diffracts poorly to a resolution that is too low to be suitable for structure determination. Dehydration has proven to be an effective post-crystallization treatment for improving crystal diffraction quality. Several dehydration methods have been developed, but no single one of them is suitable for all crystals. Here, a new convenient and effective dehydration method is reported that makes use of a dehydrating solution that will not dry out in air for several hours. Using this dehydration method, the resolution of Archaeoglobus fulgidus Cas5a crystals has been increased from 3.2 to 1.95 Å and the resolution of Escherichia coli LptA crystals has been increased from <5 to 3.4 Å.
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