by Peter Nollert
September 22, 2010 02:19
I've said it more than once: "5 min surfing the web can save you a week in the lab". Here's my most recent online favourite:
BRENDA, the Comprehensive Enzyme Information System.
BRENDA stands for Braunschweig Enzyme Database and its utility as a starting point for expression, purification and crystallization may be enormous if you're working on enzymes. The search function of this online database is simple to use, yet allows simple identification according to EC number, common/recommended names, systematic names and synonymous names.
Let's say you're interested in 'phosphatases'. Use this keyword to search under 'crystallization' and you'll be treated with a well-organized table that lists 16 different phosphatases with crystallization notes and references to the corresponding primary literature (see below). This works best for enzymes that have been crystallized already but you may be able to spot trends if your crystallization target belongs to a similar-behaving protein family.
The real strength of BRENDA though is additional information that is provided, such as stability information (pH, temperature, organic solvent, oxidation, storage) and functional parameters and binding partners (small molecule ligands, metals, substrates). This knowledge can be key to preparing the protein sample upstream of the crystallization process.
My take: if you're working on an enzyme and have not checked out BRENDA yet, go there today.
Cheers,
Peter