Crystallographic characterization of two novel crystal forms of human insulin induced by chaotropic agents and a shift in pH.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Insulin is a therapeutic protein that is widely used for the treatment of diabetes. Its biological function was discovered more than 80 years ago and it has since then been characterized extensively. Crystallization of the insulin molecule has always been a key activity since the protein is often administered by subcutaneous injections of crystalline insulin formulations. Over the years, insulin has been crystallized and characterized in a number of crystal systems.

Results

Interestingly, we have now discovered two new crystal forms of human insulin. The crystals were obtained when the two chaotropic agents, urea and thiocyanate were present in the crystallization experiments, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystals belong to th

SUBMITTER: Norrman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2241603 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature