The development of membrane protein crystallization screens based upon detergent solution properties

A principal hypothesis of our research is that the properties of detergent and protein/detergent solutions, such as their phase behavior and critical phenomena, play a significant role during membrane protein crystallization. Therefore, the characterization of these properties, and the subsequent incorporation of this information into crystallization experiments, will enable the more successful formation of well-ordered membrane protein crystals for structure determination. We are utilizing a variety of techniques for the development and implementation of detergent-specific membrane protein crystallization screens. Observation of dye partitioning in detergent/solute mixtures enables the relatively rapid determination of phase boundaries, and this information is utilized in the design of crystallization screens that are currently being tested. A commercial crystallization robot has been modified for use in the in situ setup of crystallization screens. Lastly, the characterization of critical phenomena in detergent solutions has been initiated. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.