Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the tungsten-dependent acetylene hydratase from Pelobacter acetylenicus.

Acetylene hydratase is a tungsten-containing hydroxylase that converts acetylene to acetaldehyde in a unique reaction that requires a strong reductant. The subsequent disproportionation of acetaldehyde yields acetate and ethanol. Crystals of the tungsten/iron-sulfur protein acetylene hydratase from Pelobacter acetylenicus strain WoAcy 1 (DSM 3246) were grown by the vapour-diffusion method in an N2/H2 atmosphere using polyethylene glycol as precipitant. Growth of crystals suitable for X-ray analysis strictly depended on the presence of Ti(III) citrate or dithionite as reducing agents.