Structure determination of lectins by x‐ray crystallography – a hands‐on approach
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Published:17 Jun 2013
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G. Cordara and U. Krengel, in Carbohydrate Chemistry: Chemical and Biological Approaches, ed. A. Pilar Rauter and T. Lindhorst, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013, vol. 39, pp. 222-246.
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The prime method for the 3D‐structure determination of lectins is X‐ray crystallography. This method allows the characterisation of lectin‐carbohydrate complexes with high precision, revealing in detail the underlying molecular recognition mechanisms. Here, we give an overview over this method and provide the reader with detailed instructions on how to produce and optimize lectin crystals, taking Concanavalin A as an example. We hope that this experience will inspire the readers to incorporate crystallographic analysis in their study of lectins.