Abstract
A novel grow.th factor termed augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) coptaining an N-terrninal histidine tag has been expressed, purified and crystallized. The crystals diffract to beyond 2 A, belong to space group 141 with a= 99.8A and c = 113.4A, and have four molecules per asymmetric unit. Cadmium proved essential to the crystallization of the protein and the positions of four cadmium atoms have been determined by Bijvoet difference Patterson analysis. A possible role for cadmium stabilization of the his-tagged protein lattice is discussed.