NMR spectroscopic method visualises the shape of protein molecules

Researchers have found a novel way of visualising the shape of protein molecules by using a new solid-state NMR spectroscopic method which incorporates paramagnetic tags.

Although solid state NMR spectroscopy is well established on the bioscience scene, the data obtained from X-ray crystallographic studies is often difficult to transfer to actual three-dimensional protein structures. This new development bridges that gap, and could be used in the future to understand the properties of various biological molecules under normal, healthy conditions and also in those that are involved in a range of diseases.

Christopher Jaroniec of Ohio State University and his colleagues recently published their results in the journal Nature Chemistry, describing how their new approach to solid state NMR is making 3D visualisation more accessible.

Mr Jaroniec commented: "Structural information about biological molecules is critical to understanding their function.

"Our new method promises to be a valuable addition to the NMR toolbox for rapidly determining the structures of protein systems which defy analysis with other techniques."

Posted by Ben Evans