Atomic Resolution Conformational Dynamics of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins from NMR Spin Relaxation

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2017
Source:Progress in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Author(s): Nicola Salvi, Anton Abyzov, Martin Blackledge
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful experimental approaches for investigating the conformational behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). IDPs represent a significant fraction of all proteomes, and, despite their importance for understanding fundamental biological processes, the molecular basis of their activity still remains largely unknown. The functional mechanisms exploited by IDPs in their interactions with other biomolecules are defined by their intrinsic dynamic modes and associated timescales, justifying the considerable interest over recent years in the development of technologies adapted to measure and describe this behavior. NMR spin relaxation delivers information-rich, site-specific data reporting on conformational fluctuations occurring throughout the molecule. Here we review recent progress in the use of ¹⁵N relaxation to identify local backbone dynamics and long-range chain-like motions in unfolded proteins.

Graphical abstract

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