Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction data of mouse L-chain apoferritin crystals

Crystals of recombinant mouse L-chain apoferritin were obtained by the hang ing-drop technique using ammonium sulfate as precipitant. Two crystal forms were observed in the same drop. The crystals belong to either the P2 monoc linic or to the P42(1)2 tetragonal space group. The monoclinic crystals dif fracted to beyond 2.4 Angstrom resolution but were systematically twinned, while the tetragonal crystals diffracted to beyond 2.9 Angstrom. These crys tallization conditions in the absence of metal salts should facilitate the study of the interaction between L-chain ferritins and heavy metals, partic ularly the iron core.