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Paramagnetic Chemical Probes for Studying Biological Macromolecules
Qing Miao1,2, Christoph Nitsche3, Henry Orton3,4
1Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands.
Chemical Reviews
|January 27, 2022
Summary
Paramagnetic probes enhance electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of biological molecules. This review covers diverse probes, focusing on lanthanoid and isotropic types for advanced structural and dynamic investigations.
Area of Science:
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Chemical Biology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Paramagnetic chemical probes have been instrumental in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for over 40 years.
- There has been a significant surge in the diversity of probes for studying biological macromolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and oligosaccharides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of existing paramagnetic chemical probes.
- To detail their chemical synthesis, functional properties, and applications in biological studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on paramagnetic chemical probes.
- Analysis of synthetic strategies and functional characteristics.
- Examination of applications in EPR and NMR spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Recent expansion in lanthanoid probes with anisotropic magnetic susceptibilities for NMR structural restraints (residual dipolar couplings, pseudocontact shifts).
- Development of new isotropic paramagnetic probes for NMR relaxation enhancements and EPR studies.
- Application of these probes to investigate biological macromolecules in solution and solid states.
Conclusions:
- Despite numerous reported probes, only a few have achieved widespread application.
- Further development of specialized paramagnetic probes for dedicated applications is anticipated.
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