Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
09:37
Preparation of Fungal and Plant Materials for Structural Elucidation Using Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Solid-State NMR
Published on: February 12, 2019
7.9K
New applications of solid-state NMR in structural biology
1Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, U.S.A.
Emerging Topics in Life Sciences
|June 19, 2018
Summary
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy offers new insights into biomolecular structure and dynamics. This technique complements other methods, enabling studies of challenging biological systems like protein aggregates and membrane proteins.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy
- Structural Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy has advanced, providing novel insights into biomolecular structure, dynamics, and interactions.
- ssNMR offers complementary data to other structural biology techniques, particularly for samples lacking crystalline lattices or exhibiting disorder.
- The technique is increasingly integrated with methods like cryo-electron microscopy, solution-state NMR, and X-ray crystallography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey recent applications of biomolecular ssNMR.
- To examine the integration of ssNMR with other structural biology techniques.
- To highlight the expanding scope of ssNMR in studying diverse biological assemblies.
Main Methods:
- Multidimensional magic angle spinning (MAS) ssNMR.
- Integration of ssNMR with cryo-electron microscopy, solution-state NMR, and X-ray crystallography.
- Analysis of biomolecular structure, dynamics, and interactions.
Main Results:
- ssNMR has provided structural and dynamic information for previously inaccessible biomolecular systems.
- Traditional applications in membrane proteins and amyloid aggregates have expanded to include non-amyloid aggregates, protein complexes, and viral capsids.
- Multidimensional MAS ssNMR has revealed 3D structures of various biological assemblies.
Conclusions:
- ssNMR is a powerful and versatile technique in structural biology, offering unique insights.
- Its integration with other methods enhances its utility for complex biological problems.
- ssNMR provides critical data on dynamics, interfaces, and interactions beyond static structures.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Applications Of NMR In Biology
4.5K
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a very valuable analytical technique for researchers. It has been used for more than 50 years as an analytical tool. F. Bloch and E. Purcell formulated NMR in 1946 and won the 1952 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work. Biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and organic molecules including pharmaceutical compounds, can be studied using this versatile tool that exploits the magnetic properties of certain nuclei.
4.5K
02:22Structures of Solids
18.0K
Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...
18.0K
02:37Metallic Solids
20.8K
Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
20.8K
02:18Network Covalent Solids
16.2K
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
16.2K
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
20.2K
Crystalline solids are divided into four types: molecular, ionic, metallic, and covalent network based on the type of constituent units and their interparticle interactions.
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
20.2K
01:57What is Conservation Biology?
24.4K
Conservation biology is a scientific field that focuses on the preservation of biodiversity in order to protect ecosystems while meeting the needs of the human population. Humans require properly functioning ecosystems to maintain our supply of natural resources, including food, medicines, and building materials.
24.4K