Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the matrix protein from Ebola virus

The matrix protein from Ebola virus is a membrane-associated molecule that plays a role in viral budding. Despite its functional similarity to other viral matrix proteins, it displays no sequence similarity and hence may have a distinct fold. X-ray diffraction quality crystals of the Ebola VP40 matrix protein were grown by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals belong to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 64.4, b = 91.1, c = 47.9 Angstrom, beta = 96.3 degrees. A data set to 1.9 Angstrom resolution has been collected using synchrotron radiation. The unit cell contains one molecule of molecular weight 35 kDa per asymmetric unit, with a corresponding volume solvent content of 35%.