The Center for Macromolecular Crystallography (CMC) has performed protein crystal growth experiments on more than 30 U.S. Space Shuttle missions. Results from these experiments have clearly demonstrated that the microgravity environment is beneficial in that a number of proteins crystallized were larger or of higher quality than their Earth-grown counterparts. These microgravity results plus data from a variety of other investigators have stimulated various space agencies to support fundamental studies on macromolecular crystal growth processes. The CMC has devoted substantial effort toward the development of dynamically controlled crystal growth systems, which allow scientists to optimize crystallization parameters on Earth or in space. This capability plus the CMC's experience in protein structure determination and structure-guided drug development have attracted partnerships with a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The CMC is currently designing a complete crystallographic laboratory for the International Space Station. This facility will support a variety of crystallization hardware systems, an X-ray diffraction rack for crystal characterization or complete X-ray data set collection, and a robotically controlled crystal mounting system with cryo-preservation capabilities. The X-ray diffraction rack and crystal harvesting/cryo-preservation systems can be operated with minimal crew time via telerobotic and/or robotic procedures. The CMC, in conjunction with its spin-off company, Diversified Scientific, Inc. (DSI), is currently marketing crystallography services, which include crystal growth, structure determinations and structure-guided drug development.
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