Functional properties of normal and sickle cell hemoglobins in polyethylene glycol 6000

Biochim Biophys Acta. 1977 Dec 20;495(2):279-86. doi: 10.1016/0005-2795(77)90384-1.

Abstract

The functional properties of human hemoglobin A and S were studied in concentrated solutions of polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol solutions are frequently used as media for protein crystallization. In particular, sickle cell hemoglobin, which does not make X-ray quality crystals in high salt solutions, will form high-quality crystals in polyethylene glycol. Comparison of the functional properties of normal and sickle cell hemoglobin in polyethylene glycol show that pH, anion effects and cooperativity of ligand binding are largely unaffected by polyethylene glycol. This suggests that the crystals grown in this medium are representative of the native structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Diphosphoglyceric Acids
  • Hemoglobin, Sickle*
  • Hemoglobins*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Kinetics
  • Oxyhemoglobins / metabolism
  • Phytic Acid
  • Polyethylene Glycols*

Substances

  • Diphosphoglyceric Acids
  • Hemoglobin, Sickle
  • Hemoglobins
  • Oxyhemoglobins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Phytic Acid