Solid State NMR to investigate protein interactions at interfaces
EMSL Project ID
17092
Abstract
Naturally occurring biominerals possess an impressive array of strength, order and nanostructure. These properties are the direct result of protein controlled nucleation and templated mineral growth. To develop engineered implants, materials and coatings that mimic the strength, order and specificity of those found in nature, the protein-surface interface must be understood. Few techniques exist that investigate the protein-surface interface on a molecular level. Solid state NMR (SSNMR) has recently been demonstrated to be a valuable tool in providing quantitative, site specific structure and orientation information for surface immobilized proteins under various conditions (e.g. hydrated and pH controlled). Dipolar recoupling sequences are particularly useful in characterizing protein structure. Two pulse sequences DRAWS, which will be used to measure the distance between adjacent backbone carbonyl carbons and REDOR, which will measure the distance between the backbone carbonyl carbon and the backbone nitrogen atom, will be used to study several biomaterial systems. The first is a peptide that can exist in a -sheet and an -helix conformation and will be studied on two or more surfaces to investigate the ability of the surface to induce secondary structure. The second system focuses on an antimicrobial cationic peptide. Its mechanism of action is not known but interactions with negatively charged membranes are believed to be crucial for its activity. The REDOR experiments will be used to further study the structure of Statherin on Hydoryapatite (HAP). Better understanding this mechanism of action could lead to the development of “universal drugs” and the natural prevention of infections. These membrane-interacting peptides are also useful models for large membrane proteins.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2005-12-01
End Date
2007-07-18
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator