biostudies-literatureMorgan HPMedical Research CouncilWellcome Trust215-8https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC2833022biostudies-literatureUnknown66(Pt 3)The inclusion of novel small molecules in crystallization experiments has provided very encouraging results and this method is now emerging as a promising alternative strategy for crystallizing 'problematic' biological macromolecules. These small molecules have the ability to promote lattice formation through stabilizing intermolecular interactions in protein crystals. Here, the use of 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid (PTS), which provides a helpful intermolecular bridge between Leishmania mexicana PYK (LmPYK) macromolecules in the crystal, is reported, resulting in the rapid formation of a more stable crystal lattice at neutral pH and greatly improved X-ray diffraction results. The refined structure of the LmPYK-PTS complex revealed the negatively charged PTS molecule to be stacked between positively charged (surface-exposed) arginine side chains from neighbouring LmPYK molecules in the crystal lattice.Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology and crystallization communicationsAn improved strategy for the crystallization of Leishmania mexicana pyruvate kinase.PMC2833022G0600014McNae IWMichels PAHsin KYFothergill-Gilmore LAWalkinshaw MDMorgan HPfalseAn improved strategy for the crystallization of Leishmania mexicana pyruvate kinase.The inclusion of novel small molecules in crystallization experiments has provided very encouraging results and this method is now emerging as a promising alternative strategy for crystallizing 'problematic' biological macromolecules. These small molecules have the ability to promote lattice formation through stabilizing intermolecular interactions in protein crystals. Here, the use of 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid (PTS), which provides a helpful intermolecular bridge between Leishmania mexicana PYK (LmPYK) macromolecules in the crystal, is reported, resulting in the rapid formation of a more stable crystal lattice at neutral pH and greatly improved X-ray diffraction results. The refined structure of the LmPYK-PTS complex revealed the negatively charged PTS molecule to be stacked between positively charged (surface-exposed) arginine side chains from neighbouring LmPYK molecules in the crystal lattice.2010-01-01T00:00:00Z2010 Mar2024-12-04T00:29:34.467Z2019-03-27T00:00:46ZS-EPMC28330222020814610.1107/S174430910905349410.1107/s1744309109053494