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Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Rapid Scan Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Opens New Avenues for Imaging Physiologically Important Parameters In Vivo
Published on: September 26, 2016
EPR Spectroscopy Provides New Insights into Complex Biological Reaction Mechanisms
Lukas Hofmann1, Sharon Ruthstein1
1Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel.
Abstract:
In the last 20 years, the use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has made a pronounced and lasting impact in the field of structural biology. The advantage of EPR spectroscopy over other structural techniques is its ability to target even minor conformational changes in any biomolecule or macromolecular complex, independent of its size or complexity, or whether it is in solution or in the cell during a biological or chemical reaction. Here, we focus on the use of EPR spectroscopy to study transmembrane transport and transcription mechanisms. We discuss experimental and analytical concerns when referring to studies of two biological reaction mechanisms, namely, transfer of copper ions by the human copper transporter hCtr1 and the mechanism of action of the Escherichia coli copper-dependent transcription factor CueR. Last, we elaborate on future avenues in the field of EPR structural biology.
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