Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and its application to the structural studies of biologically important molecular systems.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance offers unparalleled opportunities to examine not only the structure of biologically important macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates), but their interaction with other effector molecules, and the consequences on cellular function. Rational design of new drugs based on the information returned can be an important aide in combating disease. We develop new NMR-based methods that extend the range of applicability of NMR both in terms of the size of systems that can be studied, and the environment in which they can be studied.

Our lab has been developing NMR methodology that can define the relative orientation of parts of biomolecular complexes using a combination of orientation inducing media and very high field magnets. The University of Georgia is a host site for a regional high field NMR facility that allows these methodologies to be exploited by other researchers in the State and beyond. The methodologies are being applied to rapid determination of backbone structures of proteins as part of a structural genomics project; they are being used for the study of metabolism in enzymatic and cellular systems, and they are being used as a basis for the investigation of how cell-surface carbohydrates mediate protein interaction and cellular response. The latter applications are an important element of the NIH funded Research Resource for Integrated Glycotechnology, housed at the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center of the University of Georgia, which involves the cooperative efforts of eight other senior investigators.

Georgia, through organizations such as the Georgia Research Alliance has been willing to invest in new technologies, and in the educational structure that assures the development of future technologies. There is real excitement in working in a community that wants to grow and is willing to make the commitment necessary to make this happen.