Expression, purification and crystallization of GSK3β in complex with the flavonoid morin

GSK3β is an important kinase that functions in cellular signaling pathways. Morin, a flavonoid that is plentiful in nature, was found as an inhibitor of GSK3β that can reduce tau pathology in vivo and in vitro. To identify how morin inhibits GSK3β, GSK3β protein was overexpressed and purified using affinity and ion exchange chromatography. GSK3β protein was crystallized with morin using hanging drop vapor diffusion method in the presence of 18 % (v/v) PEG 4000, 100 mM sodium citrate (pH 6.5), and 5 % (v/v) 2-propanol at 290 K. X-ray diffraction data was collected to a maximum resolution of 2.14 Å. The crystal belonged to P2 1 , with unit cell parameters a = 67.6 Å, b = 134.4 Å, c = 100.4 Å, α = γ = 90.0°, β = 103.8°.