Role Of NMR Research Articles

Probing allosteric interactions in homo-oligomeric molecular machines using solution NMR spectroscopy

Developments in solution NMR spectroscopy have significantly impacted the biological questions that can now be addressed by this methodology. By means of illustration, we present here a perspective focusing on studies of a number of molecular machines that are critical for cellular homeostasis. The role of NMR in elucidating the structural dynamics of these important molecules is emphasized, focusing specifically on intersubunit allosteric communication in homo-oligomers. In many biophysical studies of oligomers, allostery is inferred by showing that models specifically including intersubunit communication best fit the data of interest. Ideally, however, experimental studies focusing on one subunit of a multisubunit system would be performed as an important complement to the more traditional bulk measurements in which signals from all components are measured simultaneously. Using an approach whereby asymmetric molecules are prepared in concert with NMR experiments focusing on the structural dynamics of individual protomers, we present examples of how intersubunit allostery can be directly observed in high-molecular-weight protein systems. These examples highlight some of the unique roles of solution NMR spectroscopy in studies of complex biomolecules and emphasize the important synergy between NMR and other atomic resolution biophysical methods.

Structure determination using solution NMR: Is it worth the effort?

It has been almost 40 years since solution NMR joined X-ray crystallography as a technique for determining high-resolution structures of proteins. Since then NMR derived structure has contributed in fundamental ways to our understanding of the function of biomolecules. With the already existing mature field of X-ray crystallography and the emergence of cryo-EM as techniques to tackle high-resolution structures of large protein complexes, the role of NMR in structure determination has been questioned. However, NMR has the unique ability to recapitulate the dynamic motion of proteins in their structures, while size limitations of the biomolecular systems that can be routinely studied still present challenges. The field has continually developed methodology and instrumentation since its introduction, pushing its frontiers and redefining its limits. Here we present a brief overview of NMR-based structure determination over the past 40 years. We outline the current state of the field and look ahead to the challenges that still need to be addressed to realize the future potential of NMR as a structural technique.

Modular protein-RNA interactions regulating mRNA metabolism: a role for NMR

Here we review the role played by transient interactions between multi-functional proteins and their RNA targets in the regulation of mRNA metabolism, and we describe the important function of NMR spectroscopy in the study of these systems. We place emphasis on a general approach for the study of different features of modular multi-domain recognition that uses well-established NMR techniques and that has provided important advances in the general understanding of post-transcriptional regulation.

The role of NMR in the study of partially ordered materials: Perspectives and challenges

The development of NMR techniques applied in the last 10 years to partially oriented systems, and in particular to liquid crystals (LCs), is the object of this brief perspective. The evolution of NMR methods (i.e., new NMR pulse sequences) and the improvement of both theoretical models and mathematic tools for the analysis of NMR data (specifically, for partially ordered systems) allowed scientists to extend their research to increasingly complex materials, such as dendrimers, polymers, and membranes, and to investigate unique phenomena, such as field-induced alignment and confining effects. Furthermore, the fast development of nanoscience and biomedicine is offering a rich variety of new “physical chemical” problems related to partially ordered materials. Starting from a brief perspective of recent works on thermotropic and lyotropic LCs based on different NMR methods, new challenges in this field will be drawn. Moreover, recent selected research works will be discussed in detail with particular emphasis on: (i) the effect of high magnetic fields on the supramolecular structure of chiral liquid-crystalline phases, such as the SmC*, TGBA*, and “de Vries”-type SmA* phases, by means of solid-state 2H NMR; (ii) the slow dynamics in the isotropic phase of bent-core LCs (BLCs) and of liquid single-crystal elastomers evidenced by 2H NMR relaxation studies; and (iii) the influence of the LC environment on the conformational properties of rod-like mesogens studied by high-resolution solid-state 13C NMR methods. This work aims to offer an occasion of reflection on this field of physical chemistry with a glance at future trends and challenges in view of the celebration of the International Year of Chemistry, 2011.

The Expanding Role of NMR in Rational Drug Design

The Expanding Role of NMR in Rational Drug Design

NMR and Structural Genomics

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

NMR and Structural Genomics

The role of NMR in structural genomics is outlined, with particular emphasis on using protein domains as targets. Strategies for domain expression, characterization, and labeling are presented.

Role for NMR in structural genomics.

The 2nd EMSL Workshop on Structural Genomics was held on 28th and 29th July 2000 at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA. The workshop focused on four topics: 1. The role for NMR in structural and functional genomics; 2. The technical challenges NMR faces for structural and functional genomics; 3. The potential need for a national NMR center for structural and functional genomics in the United States; and 4. Organization of the NMR community. This report summarizes the workshop proceedings and conclusions reached regarding the role of NMR in the emerging fields of structural and functional genomics.

Role of NMR in Post-Genome Era

Role of NMR in Post-Genome Era

NMR spectroscopy in drug design

Abstract The process of preclinical drug discovery consists of two steps: finding of initial hits (binding ligands to a medicinal relevant target, usually a protein) and lead optimization. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a powerful tool that can provide valuable information to every step of drug development. NMR is commonly used for characterizing the structure and molecular dynamics of target or ligand molecules. During the structure-based lead optimization, NMR provides insight into the structural and dynamical properties of the target-ligand complex. Recently, the use of NMR in the lead finding process by screening technologies has been shown. For the latter use, new techniques have also been developed. Those techniques, in combination with high throughput, have lead to an efficient screening of libraries composed of small molecules. In this article, the role of NMR during the discovery of a drug candidate is described.

Imaging features

Diagnosis of urogenital tuberculosis is traditionally based on urography, but the last few decades have seen the contribution of new methods such as ultrasound, CT scan and NMR. In the authors’ experience urography is still first choice for diagnosing urogenital tuberculosis; ultrasound is a useful complement in assessing renal parenchymal lesions and is indispensable in defining lesions in the prostate and the epididymus. With regard to the CT scan, the authors consider it gives a better definition of anatomical ratios than ultrasound, being particularly useful with extensive lesions. The role of NMR is not yet well-defined, although it does not seem to offer any particular advantages compared to CT.

Role of NMR in structural biology-Determination of the solution structures of biomacromolecules by NMR.

NMR has become to be regarded as one of the powerful methods in structural biology. The outline of the method of the structure determination by NMR is shown, and an example of application to the C-terminal domain of the E. coli RNA polymerase α subunit is given. The contribution and future of NMR to the structural biology of our country will be discussed.

The role of NMR in boron chemistry

The role of NMR in boron chemistry

Clinical applications of nuclear magnetic resonance

NMR is rapidly becoming the examination of choice for the diagnosis of syringomyelia and Chiari malformation. NMR is also useful for the examination of intramedullary tumors and may replace CT and myelography for the examination of some, if not all, of these lesions. The role of NMR in the diagnosis of other tumors related to the spinal cord is being evaluated. Since NMR cannot currently visualize herniated discs, the neural foramina and the lateral recesses as well as CT or myelography, it cannot currently replace these studies for the evaluation of sciatica. It must be determined if future improvements in NMR will allow it to be used as a replacement for CT and myelography in the detection of a herniated nucleus pulposus and in the evaluation of degenerative disease. NMR should also prove useful in the evaluation of spinal trauma and disc space infection.