Patent ID: 8889377

Claim:
A fusion protein comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first portion of a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), wherein said first portion comprises the TM1, TM2 and TM3 regions of said GPCR; b) a stable, folded protein insertion, wherein said protein comprises a well-structured soluble domain which provides amino- and carboxyl-termini that approximates the predicated distance between the cytoplasmic ends of helix 3 and helix 4 of said GPCR and which, when in crystalline form, aids in the formation of lattice contacts; and c) a second portion of said GPCR, wherein said second portion comprises the TM4, TM5 TM6 and TM7 regions of said GPCR; wherein said GPCR fusion protein is characterized in that it is crystallizable under conditions that facilitate crystal growth.