title: Crystallization of truncated human apolipoprotein A-I in a novel conformation.
abstract: The crystallization of recombinant human apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), the major protein component of high-density lipoprotein, in a new crystal form is described. The fragment crystallized, residues 44-243 of native apo A-I [apo Delta(1--43)A-I], is very similar to intact native apo A-I in its ability to bind lipid, to be incorporated into high-density lipoproteins and to activate lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase. Apo Delta(1-43)A-I crystallizes, in the presence of beta-D-octylglucopyranoside, in space group I222 or I2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 37. 11, b = 123.62, c = 164.65 A and a diffraction limit of 3.2 A. These form II crystals grow under conditions of significantly lower ionic strength than the original form I crystals (space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 97.47, b = 113.87, c = 196.19 A, diffraction limit 3.0 A). Packing arguments show that the unusual open conformation of apo Delta(1-43)A-I found in the form I crystals cannot be packed into the smaller oddly proportioned form II unit cell. Monomeric apo Delta(1-43)A-I, as either a four-helix bundle ( approximately 75 x 30 x 30 A) or an extended helical rod (approximately 150 x 20 x 20 A), can be packed into the form II unit cell. It is concluded, therefore, that apo Delta(1-43)A-I may have crystallized in one of these distinct conformations in the form II crystals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Organic Chemistry, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA. borhani@sri.org
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Borhani
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Engler
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Brouillette
mesh_terms: D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D003902:Detergents / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000737:chemistry*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I; D003902:Detergents; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011994:Recombinant Proteins