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| Title | Cryo-EM reveals ArnA contamination during purification of a ciliary protein complex. |
|---|---|
| Journal, issue, pages | Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol, Vol. 82, Issue Pt 5, Page 404-410, Year 2026 |
| Publish date | May 1, 2026 |
Authors | Xuguang Jiang / Masahide Kikkawa / ![]() |
| PubMed Abstract | Endogenous Escherichia coli proteins can co-purify with recombinant targets and dominate cryo-EM datasets, yet often escape detection during standard biochemical quality control. In parallel to the ...Endogenous Escherichia coli proteins can co-purify with recombinant targets and dominate cryo-EM datasets, yet often escape detection during standard biochemical quality control. In parallel to the recent report by Caliseki and coworkers [Caliseki et al. (2025), Acta Cryst. D81, 545-557], we independently identified ArnA contamination while purifying a soluble, low-yield KIF17-IFT70 complex, ultimately obtaining a 3.23 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of ArnA rather than the intended target. Our results reinforce that ArnA enrichment reflects general features of His-tag affinity purification and can become particularly problematic in cryo-EM workflows when the intended target is low in yield or conformationally heterogeneous. By comparing biochemical behavior and cryo-EM outcomes, we outline why ArnA may evade SDS-PAGE and size-exclusion chromatography, and be underappreciated in routine mass spectrometry-based quality control, yet becomes structurally dominant in cryo-EM. These findings broaden the scope of the original study and highlight the need for early cryo-EM screening and improved contaminant awareness in structural biology. |
External links | Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol / PubMed:41984507 / PubMed Central |
| Methods | EM (single particle) |
| Resolution | 3.23 Å |
| Structure data | EMDB-67448, PDB-21ak: |
| Source |
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Keywords | TRANSFERASE / Bifunctional enzyme / polymyxin resistance protein / antimicrobial resistance protein |
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