¹⁹F Fast Magic-Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy on Microcrystalline Complexes of Fluorinated Ligands and the...

Structural characterization of protein-ligand binding interfaces at atomic resolution is essential for improving the design of specific and potent inhibitors. Herein, we explored fast ¹⁹F- and ¹H-detected magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy to investigate the interaction between two fluorinated ligand diastereomers with the microcrystalline galectin-3 carbohydrate recognition domain. The detailed environment around the fluorine atoms was mapped by 2D ¹³C-¹⁹F and ¹H-¹⁹F dipolar correlation experiments and permitted characterization of the binding interface. Our results demonstrate that ¹⁹F MAS NMR is a powerful tool for detailed characterization of protein-ligand interfaces and protein interactions at the atomic level.