In-cell NMR: a topical review

Area of Science:

• Structural Biology
• Biophysics
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Classical structural biology methods characterize biomolecules outside their native cellular environment.
• Growing research interest focuses on the functional aspects of biomolecules within their physiological context.
• A cellular structural approach is needed to study biomolecules in their native cellular environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major advances in in-cell NMR spectroscopy.
• To focus on recent developments in eukaryotic and mammalian cells.
• To highlight the application of in-cell NMR for analyzing proteins and macromolecules in living cells.

Main Methods:

• In-cell NMR spectroscopy, a high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance technique.
• Application of in-cell NMR to bacterial and eukaryotic cells, including human cell lines.
• Analysis of structural and dynamical features of proteins and macromolecules directly within living cells.

Main Results:

• In-cell NMR enables structural and dynamical analysis of biomolecules in their native cellular environment.
• Significant structural and functional aspects of proteins have been elucidated using in-cell NMR.
• The methodology has shown steady development over 15 years, with successful applications in various cell types.

Conclusions:

• In-cell NMR is a powerful tool for studying biomolecules in their native cellular context.
• Advances in in-cell NMR are crucial for understanding cellular functions and processes.
• The technique offers unique insights into protein structure and dynamics within living cells, particularly in eukaryotic systems.