Structural Genomics
Determination of protein structures encoded in the genomes
The goal of structural genomics is the determination of the structures of all proteins encoded inthe genome of an organism. NMR is one of the essential techniques used for protein structure solution. Bruker is a pioneer in the development of instrumentation and methods for NMR structure.
The Bruker BioSpin AVANCE™ series of spectrometers has become a well-established standard for protein structure determination in a large number of laboratories around the world. Magnetic fields strengths up to 950 MHz today, allow large proteins up to several tens of kilodaltons to be studied by NMR.
We are also the world’s leading manufacturer of cryogenically-cooled probes for ultimate sensitivity. This allows for much faster data acquisition or a significant reduction in sample amount requirements. A large library of protein NMR experiments, together with the user-friendly, project-oriented NMR BioTools™ software guarantees high productivity.
Another emerging use of NMR in structural genomics is to apply it as a screening tool for newly expressed proteins. A quick 1H-15N HSQC experiment can give unique insight into the properties of a protein sample. The concentration, folding state and degree of aggregation can be rapidly determined on sample volumes as small as 5 microliters in our 1mm triple resonance probes. Alternatively, protein solution can be transferred into the CryoFit flow-insert for our CryoProbes for direct analysis of expression products. Bruker BioSpin also pioneeres the development of robotics, sample changer systems and automation software for high-throughput NMR protein analysis.
Structure determination on limited sample volumes