Two-dimensional crystallization technique for imaging macromolecules, with application to antigen--antibody--complement complexes

Two-dimensional crystals are formed from macromolecules bound on the surface of a lipid monolayer. A ligand linked to the lipid orientates the binding, and lateral diffusion of the lipids facilitates crystallization. The crystals are suitable for structural analysis by image processing of electron m...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inNature (London) Vol. 301; no. 5896; p. 125
Main Authors Uzgiris, E E, Kornberg, R D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.01.1983
Subjects
Antigen-Antibody Complex
Complement System Proteins - immunology
Crystallization
Macromolecular Substances
Methods
Microscopy, Electron
X-Ray Diffraction
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Two-dimensional crystals are formed from macromolecules bound on the surface of a lipid monolayer. A ligand linked to the lipid orientates the binding, and lateral diffusion of the lipids facilitates crystallization. The crystals are suitable for structural analysis by image processing of electron micrographs. An example is the formation of ordered arrays of antibodies on a monolayer of a lipid hapten, and subsequent decoration of these arrays with the first component of complement. Image processing indicates the arrangement of antibodies and the site of complement binding. This approach should be widely applicable to molecular complexes, such as those in replication, protein synthesis, hormone-receptor interaction and metabolic processes.
ISSN:0028-0836
DOI:10.1038/301125a0