Crystallization of the E. coli polyamine-induced protein: a novel procedure based on the concept of ionic strength reducers

Abstract

Nucleation and growth of macromolecular crystals occur in supersaturated solutions the properties of which depend on numerous parameters that influence macromolecular solubility. Detailed knowledge of the effects of those parameters is essential for crystallization. The concept of the so-called “ionic strength reducers” provides insight into the changes of solubility induced by organic solvents and hydrophilic polymers in aqueous electrolytic solutions. A simple and efficient procedure is presented which exploits the properties of ionic strength reducers in the crystallization of proteins. Using this procedure in the crystallization of the E.coli polyamine-induced protein, superior crystals compared to conventional techniques have been obtained. The procedure combines microseeding with dialysis techniques and is applicable to other proteins, particularly in cases where conditions favoring both for nucleation and growth cannot be found, or in cases where excessive nucleation leads to the growth of a large number of very small crystals.