Membrane protein crystallization from lipidic phases.
Membrane protein structural biology is enjoying a steady acceleration in the rate of success. Nevertheless, numerous membrane protein targets are resistant to the traditional approach of directly crystallizing detergent solubilized and purified protein and the 'niche market' of lipidic phase crystallization is emerging as a powerful complement. These approaches, including lipidic cubic phase, lipidic sponge phase, and bicelle crystallization methods, all immerse purified membrane protein within a lipid rich matrix before crystallization. This environment is hypothesized to contribute to the protein's long-term structural stability and thereby favor crystallization. Spectacular recent successes include the high-resolution structures of the beta(2)-adrenergic G-protein-coupled receptor, the A(2A) adenosine G-protein-coupled receptor, and the mitochondrial voltage dependent anion channel. In combination with technical innovations aiming to popularize these methods, lipidic phase crystallization approaches can be expected to deliver an increasing scientific impact as the field develops.
Johansson
Linda C
LC
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Wöhri
Annemarie B
AB
Katona
Gergely
G
Engström
Sven
S
Neutze
Richard
R
D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*
D008055:Lipids; D008565:Membrane Proteins