scholarly journals Improved reproducibility of unit-cell parameters in macromolecular cryocrystallography by limiting dehydration during crystal mounting

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 2111-2124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Farley ◽  
Geoffry Burks ◽  
Thomas Siegert ◽  
Douglas H. Juers
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Size ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Ambient Relative Humidity ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
Low Humidity ◽  
Cell Variation

In macromolecular cryocrystallography unit-cell parameters can have low reproducibility, limiting the effectiveness of combining data sets from multiple crystals and inhibiting the development of defined repeatable cooling protocols. Here, potential sources of unit-cell variation are investigated and crystal dehydration during loop-mounting is found to be an important factor. The amount of water lost by the unit cell depends on the crystal size, the loop size, the ambient relative humidity and the transfer distance to the cooling medium. To limit water loss during crystal mounting, a threefold strategy has been implemented. Firstly, crystal manipulations are performed in a humid environment similar to the humidity of the crystal-growth or soaking solution. Secondly, the looped crystal is transferred to a vial containing a small amount of the crystal soaking solution. Upon loop transfer, the vial is sealed, which allows transport of the crystal at its equilibrated humidity. Thirdly, the crystal loop is directly mounted from the vial into the cold gas stream. This strategy minimizes the exposure of the crystal to relatively low humidity ambient air, improves the reproducibility of low-temperature unit-cell parameters and offers some new approaches to crystal handling and cryoprotection.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of sialidase L from the leech Macrobdella decora

1998 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Luo ◽  
Min-yuan Chou ◽  
Su-chen Li ◽  
Yu-teh Li ◽  
Ming Luo
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Molecular Replacement ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
Solvent Content ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Mercury Derivative ◽  
Macrobdella Decora

Functional monomeric 83 kDa sialidase L, a NeuAcα2→3Gal-specific sialidase from Macrobdella leech, was expressed in Escherichia coli and readily crystallized by a macroseeding technique. The crystal belongs to space group P1 with unit-cell parameters a = 46.4, b = 69.3, c = 72.5 Å, α = 113.5, β = 95.4 and γ = 107.3°. There is one molecule per unit cell, giving a Vm = 2.4 Å3 Da−1 and a solvent content of 40%. Native and mercury-derivative data sets were collected to 2.0 Å resolution. Threading and molecular-replacement calculations confirmed the existence of a bacterial sialidase-like domain.

scholarly journals Crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of native and selenomethionine-substituted PhyH-DI fromBacillussp. HJB17

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 607-611
Author(s):  
Fang Lu ◽  
Bei Zhang ◽  
Yong Liu ◽  
Ying Song ◽  
Gangxing Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unit Cell ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Asymmetric Unit ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
Solvent Content ◽  
Space Group ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cell Parameters

Phytases are phosphatases that hydrolyze phytates to less phosphorylatedmyo-inositol derivatives and inorganic phosphate. β-Propeller phytases, which are very diverse phytases with improved thermostability that are active at neutral and alkaline pH and have absolute substrate specificity, are ideal substitutes for other commercial phytases. PhyH-DI, a β-propeller phytase fromBacillussp. HJB17, was found to act synergistically with other single-domain phytases and can increase their efficiency in the hydrolysis of phytate. Crystals of native and selenomethionine-substituted PhyH-DI were obtained using the vapour-diffusion method in a condition consisting of 0.2 Msodium chloride, 0.1 MTris pH 8.5, 25%(w/v) PEG 3350 at 289 K. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 3.00 and 2.70 Å resolution, respectively, at 100 K. Native PhyH-DI crystals belonged to space groupC121, with unit-cell parametersa = 156.84,b = 45.54,c = 97.64 Å, α = 90.00, β = 125.86, γ = 90.00°. The asymmetric unit contained two molecules of PhyH-DI, with a corresponding Matthews coefficient of 2.17 Å3 Da−1and a solvent content of 43.26%. Crystals of selenomethionine-substituted PhyH-DI belonged to space groupC2221, with unit-cell parametersa = 94.71,b= 97.03,c= 69.16 Å, α = β = γ = 90.00°. The asymmetric unit contained one molecule of the protein, with a corresponding Matthews coefficient of 2.44 Å3 Da−1and a solvent content of 49.64%. Initial phases for PhyH-DI were obtained from SeMet SAD data sets. These data will be useful for further studies of the structure–function relationship of PhyH-DI.

scholarly journals Crystallization of SHARPIN using an automated two-dimensional grid screen for optimization

2012 ◽  
Vol 68 (7) ◽  
pp. 816-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Stieglitz ◽  
Katrin Rittinger ◽  
Lesley F. Haire
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
One Step

An N-terminal fragment of human SHARPIN was recombinantly expressed inEscherichia coli, purified and crystallized. Crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained by a one-step optimization of seed dilution and protein concentration using a two-dimensional grid screen. The crystals belonged to the primitive tetragonal space groupP43212, with unit-cell parametersa = b = 61.55,c= 222.81 Å. Complete data sets were collected from native and selenomethionine-substituted protein crystals at 100 K to 2.6 and 2.0 Å resolution, respectively.

Kinematical and Dynamical CBED Pattern Models: Increasing the Accuracy of the Unit-Cell Parameter Measurements Based on CBED Patterns

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 540-541
Author(s):  
I.N. Yadhikov ◽  
S.K. Maksimov
Keyword(s):  
Reciprocal Lattice ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Reciprocal Lattice Vector ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
Lattice Vector ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Accuracy Of Measurements ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Image Position ◽  
Convergent Beam

Convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) is widely used as a microanalysis tool. By the relative position of HOLZ-lines (Higher Order Laue Zone) in CBED-patterns one can determine the unit cell parameters with a high accuracy up to 0.1%. For this purpose, maps of HOLZ-lines are simulated with the help of a computer so that the best matching of maps with experimental CBED-pattern should be reached. In maps, HOLZ-lines are approximated, as a rule, by straight lines. The actual HOLZ-lines, however, are different from the straights. If we decrease accelerating voltage, the difference is increased and, thus, the accuracy of the unit cell parameters determination by the method becomes lower.To improve the accuracy of measurements it is necessary to give up the HOLZ-lines substitution by the straights. According to the kinematical theory a HOLZ-line is merely a fragment of ellipse arc described by the parametric equationwith arc corresponding to change of β parameter from -90° to +90°, wherevector, h - the distance between Laue zones, g - the value of the reciprocal lattice vector, g‖ - the value of the reciprocal lattice vector projection on zero Laue zone.

Sectioned rubisco crystals in TEM

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 664-665
Author(s):  
Gunnel Karlsson ◽  
Jan-Olov Bovin ◽  
Michael Bosma
Keyword(s):  
Plant Cell ◽  
Carbon Fixation ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Protein Crystals ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation ◽  
Photosynthetic Carbon

RuBisCO (D-ribulose-l,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is the most aboundant enzyme in the plant cell and it catalyses the key carboxylation reaction of photosynthetic carbon fixation, but also the competing oxygenase reaction of photorespiation. In vitro crystallized RuBisCO has been studied earlier but this investigation concerns in vivo existance of RuBisCO crystals in anthers and leaves ofsugarbeets. For the identification of in vivo protein crystals it is important to be able to determinethe unit cell of cytochemically identified crystals in the same image. In order to obtain the best combination of optimal contrast and resolution we have studied different staining and electron accelerating voltages. It is known that embedding and sectioning can cause deformation and obscure the unit cell parameters.

On the accuracy of determining the unit cell parameters of single crystals on modern laboratory diffractometers

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
П.C. Серебренникова ◽  
В.Ю. Комаров ◽  
А.С. Сухих ◽  
С.А. Громилов
Keyword(s):  
Single Crystals ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
Cell Parameters

scholarly journals Crystal Structure Refinements of Four Monazite Samples from Different Localities

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mashrur Zaman ◽  
Sytle M. Antao
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Electron Probe ◽  
Unit Cell Volume ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Large Unit Cell ◽  
A Site

This study investigates the crystal chemistry of monazite (APO4, where A = Lanthanides = Ln, as well as Y, Th, U, Ca, and Pb) based on four samples from different localities using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electron-probe microanalysis. The crystal structure of all four samples are well refined, as indicated by their refinement statistics. Relatively large unit-cell parameters (a = 6.7640(5), b = 6.9850(4), c = 6.4500(3) Å, β = 103.584(2)°, and V = 296.22(3) Å3) are obtained for a detrital monazite-Ce from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Sm-rich monazite from Gunnison County, Colorado, USA, has smaller unit-cell parameters (a = 6.7010(4), b = 6.9080(4), c = 6.4300(4) Å, β = 103.817(3)°, and V = 289.04(3) Å3). The a, b, and c unit-cell parameters vary linearly with the unit-cell volume, V. The change in the a parameter is large (0.2 Å) and is related to the type of cations occupying the A site. The average <A-O> distances vary linearly with V, whereas the average <P-O> distances are nearly constant because the PO4 group is a rigid tetrahedron.

scholarly journals New crystal structures of adenylate kinase fromStreptococcus pneumoniaeD39 in two conformations

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
pp. 1468-1471
Author(s):  
Trung Thanh Thach ◽  
Sangho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structures ◽  
Adenylate Kinase ◽  
Bound States ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
Space Group ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Ligand Free ◽  
Adenylate Kinases

Adenylate kinases (AdKs; EC 2.7.3.4) play a critical role in intercellular homeostasis by the interconversion of ATP and AMP to two ADP molecules. Crystal structures of adenylate kinase fromStreptococcus pneumoniaeD39 (SpAdK) have recently been determined using ligand-free and inhibitor-bound crystals belonging to space groupsP21andP1, respectively. Here, new crystal structures of SpAdK in ligand-free and inhibitor-bound states determined at 1.96 and 1.65 Å resolution, respectively, are reported. The new ligand-free crystal belonged to space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 73.5,b= 54.3,c= 62.7 Å, β = 118.8°. The new ligand-free structure revealed an open conformation that differed from the previously determined conformation, with an r.m.s.d on Cαatoms of 1.4 Å. The new crystal of the complex with the two-substrate-mimicking inhibitorP1,P5-bis(adenosine-5′-)pentaphosphate (Ap5A) belonged to space groupP1, with unit-cell parametersa= 53.9,b= 62.3,c= 63.0 Å, α = 101.9, β = 112.6, γ = 89.9°. Despite belonging to the same space group as the previously reported crystal, the new Ap5A-bound crystal contains four molecules in the asymmetric unit, compared with two in the previous crystal, and shows slightly different lattice contacts. These results demonstrate that SpAdK can crystallize promiscuously in different forms and that the open structure is flexible in conformation.

Compressibility of β-As4S4: an in situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study

2012 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 963-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. O. Lepore ◽  
T. Boffa Ballaran ◽  
F. Nestola ◽  
L. Bindi ◽  
D. Pasqual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Range ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Van Der Waals Interactions ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Unit Cell Parameters ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Intermolecular Distances

AbstractAmbient temperature X-ray diffraction data were collected at different pressures from two crystals of β-As4S4, which were made by heating realgar under vacuum at 295ºC for 24 h. These data were used to calculate the unit-cell parameters at pressures up to 6.86 GPa. Above 2.86 GPa, it was only possible to make an approximate measurement of the unit-cell parameters. As expected for a crystal structure that contains molecular units held together by weak van der Waals interactions, β-As4S4 has an exceptionally high compressibility. The compressibility data were fitted to a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state with a resulting volume V0 = 808.2(2) Å3, bulk modulus K0 = 10.9(2) GPa and K' = 8.9(3). These values are extremely close to those reported for the low-temperature polymorph of As4S4, realgar, which contains the same As4S4 cage-molecule. Structural analysis showed that the unit-cell contraction is due mainly to the reduction in intermolecular distances, which causes a substantial reduction in the unit-cell volume (∼21% at 6.86 GPa). The cage-like As4S4 molecules are only slightly affected. No phase transitions occur in the pressure range investigated.Micro-Raman spectra, collected across the entire pressure range, show that the peaks associated with As–As stretching have the greatest pressure dependence; the S–As–S bending frequency and the As–S stretching have a much weaker dependence or no variation at all as the pressure increases; this is in excellent agreement with the structural data.

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