Probing allosteric interactions in homo-oligomeric molecular machines using solution NMR spectroscopy

Developments in solution NMR spectroscopy have significantly impacted the biological questions that can now be addressed by this methodology. By means of illustration, we present here a perspective focusing on studies of a number of molecular machines that are critical for cellular homeostasis. The role of NMR in elucidating the structural dynamics of these important molecules is emphasized, focusing specifically on intersubunit allosteric communication in homo-oligomers. In many biophysical studies of oligomers, allostery is inferred by showing that models specifically including intersubunit communication best fit the data of interest. Ideally, however, experimental studies focusing on one subunit of a multisubunit system would be performed as an important complement to the more traditional bulk measurements in which signals from all components are measured simultaneously. Using an approach whereby asymmetric molecules are prepared in concert with NMR experiments focusing on the structural dynamics of individual protomers, we present examples of how intersubunit allostery can be directly observed in high-molecular-weight protein systems. These examples highlight some of the unique roles of solution NMR spectroscopy in studies of complex biomolecules and emphasize the important synergy between NMR and other atomic resolution biophysical methods.

Resorcin[4]arene-Based Multidentate Phosphate Ligands with Superior Binding Affinity for Nanocrystal Surfaces

<div>We designed and synthesized two resorcin[4]arene scaffolds with four phosphoric acid binding groups. The ligands effectively bind in at least a tridentate fashion. The superior binding affinity is demonstrated using solution NMR spectroscopy and exceeds that of phosphonic acids.</div>

Resorcin[4]arene-Based Multidentate Phosphate Ligands with Superior Binding Affinity for Nanocrystal Surfaces

<div>We designed and synthesized two resorcin[4]arene scaffolds with four phosphoric acid binding groups. The ligands effectively bind in at least a tridentate fashion. The superior binding affinity is demonstrated using solution NMR spectroscopy and exceeds that of phosphonic acids.</div>

Bonding analysis in ytterbium(II) distannyl and related tetryls

The syntheses of the ytterbium(II) distannyl [Yb{Sn(SiMe3)3}2.(thf)4] (Yb-Sn) and of its digermyl analogue [Yb{Ge(SiMe3)3}2.(thf)3] (Yb-Ge) are presented. The compounds were characterised by multinuclear high-resolution solution NMR spectroscopy, including 171Yb NMR,...

Resorcin[4]arene-based multidentate phosphate ligands with superior binding affinity for nanocrystal surfaces

We synthesized two resorcin[4]arene scaffolds with four phosphate binding groups. The superior binding affinity to nanocrystal surfaces is demonstrated using solution NMR spectroscopy and exceeds that of single phosphonates.