Crystal Screening
Crystal Screening - Related Videos
06:19
High-Throughput Screening to Obtain Crystal Hits for Protein Crystallography
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Cited by 16 •
2023
This protocol details high-throughput crystallization screening, ranging from the 1,536 microassay plate preparation to the end of a 6 week experimental time window. Details are included about the sample setup, the imaging obtained, and how users can perform analyses using an artificial intelligence-enabled graphical user interface to quickly and efficiently identify macromolecular crystallization conditions.
14:04
Derivatization of Protein Crystals with I3C using Random Microseed Matrix Screening
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Cited by 1 •
2021
This article presents a method to generate protein crystals derivatized with I3C (5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid) using microseeding to generate new crystallization conditions in sparse matrix screens. The trays can be set up using liquid dispensing robots or by hand.
12:24
Improving the Success Rate of Protein Crystallization by Random Microseed Matrix Screening
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Cited by 20 •
2013
Here we describe a general method for random microseed matrix screening. This technique is shown to significantly increase the success rate of protein crystallization screening experiments, reduce the need for optimization, and provide a reliable supply of crystals for data collection and ligand-soaking experiments.
07:39
Protein Crystallization
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2023
Protein crystallization, obtaining a solid lattice of biomolecules, elucidates protein structure and enables the study of protein function. Crystallization involves drying purified protein under a combination of many factors, including pH, temperature, ionic strength, and protein concentration. Once crystals are obtained, the protein structure can be elucidated by x-ray diffraction and computation of an electron density model. This video introduces protein crystallization and shows a general...
09:27
Protein Crystallization for X-ray Crystallography
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Cited by 71 •
2011
The 3-D structure of a molecule provides a unique understanding of how the molecule functions. The principal method for structure determination at near-atomic resolution is X-ray crystallography. Here, we demonstrate the current methods for obtaining three-dimensional crystals of any given macromolecule that are suitable for structure determination by X-ray crystallography.
FAQs
In a vapor-diffusion setup, water exchange gradually changes the composition of a small trial drop. As the chemical environment shifts, the biological molecule may reach conditions that support nucleation, the initial formation of an ordered crystal lattice, followed by crystal growth. This gradual change helps researchers test whether a purified protein or nucleic acid can form crystals under controlled conditions.
Researchers vary precipitant type and concentration, pH, salt, temperature, and sample concentration because each combination can alter whether nucleation and growth occur. These variables are tested in small-volume trials, allowing many chemical environments to be examined with limited purified biological material. Comparing the resulting trials helps identify conditions associated with crystal formation.
Crystal order determines whether a sample can provide useful diffraction information. Well-ordered crystals are suitable for X-ray diffraction, which allows researchers to determine a molecule’s three-dimensional structure. Poorer crystal quality can limit this outcome, so screening is not only about producing visible crystals but also about finding conditions that support crystals capable of structural analysis.
An initial hit identifies a condition associated with crystal formation, but it may not yet provide the crystal quality needed for structural work. Researchers can optimize that condition to improve crystal quality and diffraction. This refinement increases the likelihood that the biological molecule will yield structural information useful for studying its function or molecular interactions.
A purified protein or nucleic acid is placed into small-volume trials containing different combinations of precipitant, pH, salt, temperature, and sample concentration. In vapor-diffusion experiments, water exchange gradually changes the drop composition while the trials are observed for nucleation and growth. Conditions that produce crystals can then be selected for further optimization.
Successful screening can produce crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction and reveal the three-dimensional structure of a biological molecule. Structural information helps researchers examine protein function and molecular interactions at the level supported by the determined structure. It can also contribute to investigations of disease mechanisms and to rational drug design.
The approach is useful when researchers need structural information about a purified protein or nucleic acid. By identifying and improving crystal-producing conditions, they can obtain samples for X-ray diffraction and connect molecular shape with biological function. These results support research on molecular interactions, disease mechanisms, and the design of drugs guided by molecular structure.