ATP-dependent RNA helicase domain of the ZC3H41 protein from Trypanosoma brucei: expression, purification and crystallization.

A fragment of the Trypanosoma brucei ZC3H41 protein encompassing the ATP-dependent RNA helicase domain was successfully subcloned for expression in a bacterial system (Escherichia coli). Following expression, the protein was purified and crystallized using the vapor-diffusion method. The protein crystals were optimized at a 1:1 protein:reservoir solution ratio using PPGBA 2000. The optimized crystals diffracted to a dmin of 3.15 A. The collected data revealed preliminary structural information regarding this newly discovered protein.