NMR methods for structural studies of large monomeric and multimeric proteins

NMR structural studies of large monomeric and multimeric proteins face distinct challenges. In large monomeric proteins, the common occurrence of frequency degeneracies between residues impedes unambiguous assignment of NMR signals. To overcome this barrier, nonuniform sampling (NUS) is used to measure spectra with optimal resolution within reasonable time, new correlation maps resolve previous impasses in assignment strategies, and novel selective methyl labeling schemes provide additional structural probes without cluttering NMR spectra. These advances push the limits of NMR studies of large monomeric proteins. Large multimeric and multidomain proteins are studied by NMR when individual components can also be studied by NMR and have known structures. The structural properties of large assemblies are obtained by identifying binding surfaces, by orienting domains, and employing limited distance constraints. Segmental labeling and the combination of NMR with other methods have helped popularize NMR studies of such systems.