Crystallization of the maltodextrin-binding protein for active transport and chemotaxis in several different liganded and mutant forms.

We have crystallized the maltodextrin-binding protein complexed with two cyclic maltodextrins, and with no ligand at all. We have also grown crystals of two complexes of a mutant of maltodextrin-binding protein whose transport specificity has been altered. Studies of these crystals should provide considerable information about protein-oligosaccharide interactions, the effects of these interactions on oligosaccharide conformation, and particularly about the function of the periplasmic receptors in transport and chemotaxis.