A reference that describes what Jack is referring to is detailed here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15858279
I have used this technique to improve every protein I have ever crystallised. In the most extreme cases poorly diffracting hopeless crystals that were also strongly anisotropic were rapidly improved to diffract better than 1.5 Angstrom. Good luck! ________________________________ From: CCP4 bulletin board [CCP4BB@JISCMAIL.AC.UK] on behalf of Tanner, John J. [tanne...@missouri.edu] Sent: 24 April 2015 09:35 To: CCP4BB@JISCMAIL.AC.UK Subject: Re: [ccp4bb] Thin plate crystals Following up on Dave's suggestion, you could try using crystal screens as additives. This has worked well in my lab. The idea is to mix the condition that you currently have (the "base") with all the crystal screen reagents you have in stock (CS, Index, etc.). As a first trial, use reservoirs containing 3 parts base and 1 part screen. This generates a new matrix of hits. You might find a condition that produces thicker crystals or perhaps a new new crystal form. I think this approach is described in the literature but don't remember the citation. Jack On Apr 24, 2015, at 12:31 AM, David Briggs wrote: Hi, In my experience, additive screens (e.g Hampton's) can change crystal morphology. You could also re-screen for new conditions either using matrix micro seeding, or change the protein buffer. Perhaps adding a ligand or a component from your current crystallisation conditions to your protein stock? HTH, Dave On Fri, 24 Apr 2015 04:02 Prerana G. <tracy...@gmail.com<mailto:tracy...@gmail.com>> wrote: Dear all, I am working on a protein (40kDa) which forms very thin plate shaped crystals which diffracts at very low resolution. Protein concentration that i have used for crystallisation is approx. 8mg/ml. I have attached the picture of the protein crystal. How can I improve upon the shape of the crystal? John J. Tanner, PhD Professor of Biochemistry and Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Professor of Chemistry (Joint Appointment) University of Missouri-Columbia 125 Chemistry Building Columbia, MO 65211 email: tanne...@missouri.edu<mailto:tanne...@missouri.edu> phone: 573-884-1280 fax: 573-882-2754 http://faculty.missouri.edu/~tannerjj/tannergroup/tanner.html
