Controlled In Meso Phase (CIMP) Crystallization
Crystallization methods developed for soluble proteins are often inefficient for membrane proteins with very low solubility. Detergent is often used to increase the amount of dissolved membrane proteins, and in some cases the solubility problem can be resolved by the application of the vapor diffusion method. Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) crystallization is one of the most popular methods to determine the structure of membrane proteins. To further increase success rate, Creative Biostructure utilizes a novel solution called Controlled In Meso Phase (CIMP) crystallization, which combines the features of well-established vapor diffusion method and LCP crystallization.
CIMP has the following benefits:
(i) Stabilization of membrane proteins in the meso phase;
(ii) Control of hydration level and additive concentration by vapor diffusion;
(iii) Simplified in meso crystallization experiments and standard liquid handling robots suitable for 96 well formats;
(iv) Direct monitor of phase transformation and crystallization events.
Figure 1. CIMP crystallization of bacteriorhodopsin.
CIMP crystallization enables very fast and complete screening of the parameter space for crystallization, which can be implemented using standard robotic systems. Also, it allows to reach parts of the parameter space that are principally inaccessible by batch methods. It is believed that the CIMP method can contribute to accelerating the progress in crystallization and structure determination of membrane proteins. Based on its outstanding advantages, Creative Biostructure provides membrane protein crystallization by using the most advanced CIMP method.
Besides the CIMP crystallization service, Creative Biostructure also offers the full range or single package of membrane protein services from cloning to structure determination. We endeavor to build long-term partnerships with our clients from pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic organizations.
Please feel free to contact us for a detailed quote.
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References
- Kubicek J, et al. (2012) “Controlled in meso phase crystallization – a method for the structural investigation of membrane proteins”. PLoS ONE 7(4): e35458.
