Open AccessUse of differential scanning fluorimetry to optimize the purification and crystallization of PLP‐dependent enzymes
Author(s) -
Geders Todd W.,
Gustafson Kathryn,
Finzel Barry C.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
acta crystallographica section f
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1744-3091
DOI - 10.1107/s1744309112012912
Subject(s) - crystallization , chemistry , ligand (biochemistry) , enzyme , biochemistry , fluorescence spectroscopy , pyridoxal , amine gas treating , combinatorial chemistry , chromatography , fluorescence , organic chemistry , physics , receptor , quantum mechanics
Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a practical and accessible technique that allows the assessment of multiphasic unfolding behavior resulting from subsaturating binding of ligands. Multiphasic unfolding is indicative of a heterogenous protein solution, which frequently interferes with crystallization and complicates functional characterization of proteins of interest. Along with UV–Vis spectroscopy, DSF was used to guide purification and crystallization improvements for the pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP) dependent transaminase BioA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The incompatibility of the primary amine‐containing buffer 2‐amino‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐1,3‐propanediol (Tris) and PLP was identified as a significant contributor to heterogeneity. It is likely that the utility of DSF for ligand‐binding assessment is not limited to the cofactor PLP but will be applicable to a variety of ligand‐dependent enzymes.