The 1.45 A resolution structure of the cryptogein-cholesterol complex: a close-up view of a sterol carrier protein (SCP) active site.
Lascombe, M.B., Ponchet, M., Venard, P., Milat, M.L., Blein, J.P., Prange, T.(2002) Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr 58: 1442-1447
- PubMed: 12198300 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1107/S0907444902011745
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1LRI - PubMed Abstract: 
Cryptogein is a small 10 kDa elicitor produced by the phytoparasitic oomycete Phytophthora cryptogea. The protein also displays a sterol carrier activity. The native protein crystallizes in space group P4(1)22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 46.51, c = 134.9 A (diffraction limit: 2.1 A). Its complex with cholesterol crystallizes in space group C222(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 30.96, b = 94.8, c = 65.3 A and a resolution enhanced to 1.45 A. The large inner non-specific hydrophobic cavity is able to accommodate a large variety of 3-beta-hydroxy sterols. Cryptogein probably acts as a sterol shuttle helping the pathogen to grow and complete its life cycle.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques (UMR-8015, CNRS), Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris CEDEX 06, France. [email protected]