Biomolecular NMR spectroscopy

The structural dynamics of proteins and other macromolecules typically serve crucial roles for their respective biological function. While rigid protein structures are used in classic “lock and key” descriptions of enzymology and receptor-ligand interactions, more and more evidence suggest that the majority of molecular interactions occur on the spectrum between induced-fit binding and conformational selection binding. This model of biomolecular interaction requires, to differing degrees, conformation plasticity and dynamics of the protein itself. To characterize the determinants and implications of protein dynamics, there exists no more suited biophysical technique than nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This method is capable of probing the individual atomic nuclei of proteins in a site-specific manner. Furthermore, NMR spectroscopy is unique in being able to access timescales from picoseconds to seconds, providing information on events from bond vibration and libration to protein folding and ligand binding. The breadth of biophysical information accessible by NMR spectroscopy has led to its widespread use in the study of protein dynamics. The work presented herein in