Abstract
Determining the crystal structure of a protein-DNA complex can provide a wealth of information regarding protein function and mechanism. The foundation for all successful X-ray structure determination is the ability to produce diffraction-quality crystals. Crystallization of protein-DNA complexes often presents unique challenges because of the additional parameters involved. This chapter will outline many of those challenges, including choice of DNA and formation of a stable protein-DNA complex and provide guidance in preparing for crystallization experiments. Additionally, techniques for oligonucleotide purification, sample preparation, and crystallization methods are provided. Careful thought and initial analysis of the protein-DNA complex prior to crystallization experiments followed by optimization of crystallization parameters can greatly increase the likelihood of producing well-diffracting crystals.
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Hollis, T. (2007). Crystallization of Protein-DNA Complexes. In: Walker, J.M., Doublié, S. (eds) Macromolecular Crystallography Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 363. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-209-0_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-209-0_11
Publisher Name: Humana Press
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