Production & Crystallization of Membrane Protein for 3D Structure

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Abstract: This proposal addresses challenges in eukaryotic protein expression, solublization, stablization and crystallization. We will accomplish this by integrating early assessment measurements of protein quality and quantity into an existing robust mammalian cell expression platform. This approach integrates use of a novel high-throughput self-interaction chromatography system (HT-SIC) that rapidly measures second virial coefficients for the membrane protein mixed with a specially designed panel of additives. An artificial neural network analyzes the experimentally derived second virial coefficient data and performs in silico predictions of novel solution conditions that improve protein solubility and homogeneity. The HT-SIC system also enables informed adjustments to solution conditions that alter protein-protein interactions such that the probability of producing high-quality crystals is improved. Achieving the specific aims of this proposal will provide the research community with significant advancements toward a cost effective, knowledge-based approach to express, purify, stabilize and crystallize membrane proteins. Target proteins include two ion channel proteins (epithelial sodium channel, ENaC and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein, CFTR), two GPCRs (chemokine receptor-1, CCR1 and sphingosine- 1 phosphate receptor, S1P) and growth hormone receptor, GHR. Structures of these proteins would contribute significantly to our understanding of their biological mechanism of action and role in several important diseases including cancer (colon, breast and prostate), diabetes, cystic fibrosis, growth anomalies, immune system disorders, hypertension, sepsis and the flu. For each IMP, we have established collaborations with biochemists/biologists with a long-standing interest in and experience working with each target protein and its protein interactome.