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Example research projects
X-ray facility projects carried out in collaboration with other Penn State faculty.
Crystal structure of Expansin (Cosgrove lab)
We have solved the crystal structure of Expansin, a protein that loosens cell walls.
It is made up of two domains.
- Domain 1 is structurally homologous to family-45 endoglucanase, but lacks a key catalytic Asp.
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Domain 2 is a β-sandwich very similar to group-2/3 allergens.
Domains 1 & 2 line up to form an open surface that likely binds a xylan (8-10 residues). This work was chosen to be a cover story in PNAS. e.
