After protein purification the next step in the path toward a structure is crystallization. Crystallization requires ultra pure protein. Usually three or more columns are run to obtain high quality protein. A combination of affinity columns, columns that separate based on charge or hydrophobicity, and size exclusion columns are all utilized to produce as pure a protein product as possible. Protein quality can be verified by overloading an SDS Page coomassie stained gel, then looking for only one protein band. While crystallization is a purification step, rarely do mixed protein species generate diffraction quality crystals.
The Structure Biology Core has two TTP LabTech mosquito robots, and a Rigaku Alchemist II, Minstrel system supported with Crystal Trak software. A Gryphon LCP device, is also available through the core. These robots can be used by Structural Biology Core members, or used by non-members on a cost basis.
To use the robots contact:
Mosquito McDonnell Pediatric Research 8230
Email Contact Nichole Salinas
Molecular Microbiology & Microbial Pathogenesis
Mosquito McDonnell Medical Sciences 219
Email Contact Rick Stegeman
Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics
Rigaku Minstrel & Alchemist Systems Clinical Sciences Research 7705
Email Contact Rick Stegeman
Pathology & Immunology
Gryphon LCP BJC Institute of Health 9301
Email Contact Dr. Peng Yuan
Cell Biology & Physiology