Crystallization and preliminary analysis of chondroitinase AC from Flavobacterium heparinum

Chondroitinase AC (E.C. 4.2.2.5) overexpressed in its host, Flavobacterium heparinum, was crystallized by vapor diffusion using polyethylene glycol methyl ether as precipitant. It crystallizes in the space group P4₃2₁2 or its enantiomorph with a = b = 87.1 and c = 193.1 Å and one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Crystals diffract to a maximum of 2.5 Å resolution on a rotating-anode source. Screening for heavy-atom derivatives identified a lead compound that binds to a single site on the protein. Further screening is in progress.