NMR Spectroscopy Analysis
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful biophysical tool to ascertain atomic-resolution details of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Over the past years, supported by the state-of-the-art NMR spectroscopy platform, Creative Proteomics has provided customers with high-quality three-dimensional structure analysis services of viruses. In general, our NMR service consists of four main steps, including NMR sample preparation, collection of NMR data, spectral processing, and structural generation and analysis. Importantly, our experienced and professional scientists are capable of providing the best strategies according to our global customers' specific project needs.
Overview of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
NMR is a non-destructive spectroscopic technique that can provide the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules at atomic resolution. This technique depends on the basic quantum mechanical attribute of nuclear spins. In a magnetic field, atoms with a non-zero spin number are at different energy levels and their transitions between these levels can be stimulated and recorded at specific resonant frequencies.
NMR rotors, spectrometer and resonance signals.( Lecoq, L., et al, 2020)
Service offering
Solution NMR
Viral membrane proteins are not only indispensable in the life cycle of viruses, but also targets for vaccine design and antiviral drug development, so the study of viral membrane proteins is of great significance. Solution NMR spectroscopy has been widely used for structural and functional studies of intrinsic membrane proteins (IMPs) under conditions that are close to the membranes' native environments. Although the method demonstrates lower efficiency in determining structures of large macromolecular complexes compared to X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, solution NMR serves as the most compelling technique in the investigation of conformational diversity, binding kinetics, and dynamic properties of membrane proteins, especially for small proteins that do not crystallize easily. Based on solution NMR spectroscopy, we can help global customers to investigate a series of properties of viral transmembrane proteins, including
- The structures of viral transmembrane proteins.
- The functions of viral transmembrane proteins.
- The dynamic and inhibition properties of membrane proteins.
Solid-state NMR
Solid-state NMR is a relative newcomer to the structural virology field and can sensitively follow the path of viral proteins through their interactions and maturation steps during the viral life cycle. Solid-state NMR can complement other atomic-resolved structural biological approaches in understanding viral proteins and the functions of their assembly from a structural perspective. Other atomic-resolution structural biology methods include electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, and solution NMR. Based on this structural biological approach, we are able to help customers to obtain the unique information the molecular assemblies used by viruses during the processes, ranging from entering into host cells, the establishment of infection, to releasing progeny virions into the environment.
Creative Proteomics is an international contract research organization (CRO) providing viral proteomic, metabolomic and other analysis services to researchers in biochemistry, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical fields. Our extensive experience in viral structure research, an excellent team of experts, and advanced technology platforms make us an ideal partner for worldwide customers. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us or directly send us an inquiry.
Reference
- Lecoq, L., et al. (2020). "Solid-state NMR for studying the structure and dynamics of viral assemblies." Viruses, 12(10), 1069.
* For research use only.
