Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of G_M2-activator protein

G_M2 activator protein is a glycolipid transfer protein cofactor necessary for the hydrolytic degradation of G_M2 ganglioside by β-hexosaminidase A. Its absence in human tissue results in symptoms of type AB Tay-Sachs disease. The protein prepared by recombinant techniques using an E. coli expression system, has been crystallized by the vapor-diffusion technique. The crystals are well ordered and belong to the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. The unit-cell dimensions are a = 42.40, b = 39.82, c = 113.61 Å. One molecule is contained in the asymmetric unit.