A new crystal form of a hyperthermophilic endocellulase

This article reports the crystallization of EGPf at the more physiologically relevant pH of 5.5. Structure determination showed that this new crystal form has the symmetry of space group C2. Two molecules of the enzyme are observed in the asymmetric unit. Crystal packing is weak at pH 5.5 owing to two flexible interfaces between symmetry-related molecules. Comparison of the EGPf structures obtained at pH 9.0 and pH 5.5 reveals a significant conformational difference at the active centre and in the surface loops. The interfaces in the vicinity of the flexible surface loops impact the quality of the EGPf crystal.

Source: Acta Crystallographica Section F - June 18, 2014 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Kataoka, M.Ishikawa, K. Tags: hyperthermophile endocellulase Pyrococcus furiosus structural communications Source Type: research