Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of an Escherichia coli tRNA^Gly acceptor-stem microhelix

The tRNA^Gly and glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) system is an evolutionary special case within the class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases because two divergent types of GlyRS exist: an archaebacterial/human type and an eubacterial type. The tRNA identity elements which determine the correct aminoacylation process are located in the aminoacyl domain of tRNA^Gly. To obtain further insight concerning structural investigation of the identity elements, the Escherichia coli seven-base-pair tRNA^Gly acceptor-stem helix was crystallized. Data were collected to 2.0 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. Crystals belong to space group P3₁21 or P3₂21, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 35.35, c = 130.82 Å, α = β = 90, γ = 120° and two molecules in the asymmetric unit.