High-resolution, high-pressure NMR studies of proteins

Biophys J. 1998 Jul;75(1):445-52. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(98)77532-0.

Abstract

Advanced high-resolution NMR spectroscopy, including two-dimensional NMR techniques, combined with high pressure capability, represents a powerful new tool in the study of proteins. This contribution is organized in the following way. First, the specialized instrumentation needed for high-pressure NMR experiments is discussed, with specific emphasis on the design features and performance characteristics of a high-sensitivity, high-resolution, variable-temperature NMR probe operating at 500 MHz and at pressures of up to 500 MPa. An overview of several recent studies using 1D and 2D high-resolution, high-pressure NMR spectroscopy to investigate the pressure-induced reversible unfolding and pressure-assisted cold denaturation of lysozyme, ribonuclease A, and ubiquitin is presented. Specifically, the relationship between the residual secondary structure of pressure-assisted, cold-denatured states and the structure of early folding intermediates is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Cold Temperature
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / instrumentation
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Muramidase / chemistry
  • Pressure
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Protein Folding
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Ribonuclease, Pancreatic / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Ubiquitins / chemistry

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Ubiquitins
  • Ribonuclease, Pancreatic
  • Muramidase