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The prokaryotic lysine-specific permease (LysP) belongs to the amino acid–polyamine–organocation (APC) transporter superfamily. In the cell, members of this family are responsible for the uptake and recycling of nutrients, for the maintenance of a constant internal ion concentration and for cell volume regulation. The detailed mechanism of substrate selectivity and transport of L-lysine by LysP is not understood. A high-resolution crystal structure would enormously facilitate such an understanding. To this end, LysP fromPseudomonas aeruginosawas recombinantly expressed inEscherichia coliand purified to near homogeneity by immobilized metal ion-affinity chromatography (IMAC) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Hexagonal- and rod-shaped crystals were obtained in the presence of L-lysine and the L-lysine analogue L-4-thialysine by vapour diffusion and diffracted to 7.5 Å resolution. The diffraction data were indexed in space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 169.53,b= 169.53,c= 290.13 Å, γ = 120°.

The lipid cubic phase orin mesomethod can be used to set up crystallization trials of soluble and membrane proteins. The cubic phase is noted for being a sticky and viscous mesophase. Dispensing the protein-laden mesophase by hand into wells on crystallization plates has been facilitated by the use of an inexpensive repeat dispenser. However, the assembled dispensing device is prone to damage. Specifically, the delicate plunger used to dispense the viscous mesophase by positive displacement can be bent and scarred when the locking nut that fixes the plunger to the ratchet-driven dispensing mechanism is inadvertently overtightened. A defective plunger can render the device useless as a dispensing tool. More importantly, it can lead to catastrophic loss of valuable protein and lipid due to leakage when the dispensing syringe is being recharged with fresh mesophase. This note describes two types of bushings designed to protect the plunger from mechanical damage, which provide facile and reliable dispenser performance. One is a split bushing in brass and is a highly durable solution. The other is a small sleeve made from readily available plastic tubing. While it lacks durability, the plastic sleeve is simple yet highly effective, and can be replaced as the need arises.