The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Core Facility
within the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower (PMCRT) is equipped
with state-of-the-art solution-state NMR spectrometers. This equipment
enables the characterization of biomolecular structures, protein interactions,
protein dynamics and protein structure-function relationships. It can
also be used to study metabolites, and conduct high-throughput fragment-based
drug screening.
The NMR infrastructure is supported by highly qualified personnel and welcomes
internal and external clients. This core facility provides a collaborative
environment for researchers interested in structural, cell and cancer biology
to perform structural studies of their target proteins.
The facility was key to enabling a recent collaboration between Dr.
M. Ikura
(PM Senior Scientist) and Dr. Chris Marshall (PM Staff Scientist) to study
large molecular complexes involving the GTPase KRas. This protein acts as
a molecular switch when in a complex with effectors on nanodiscs (which are
used to mimic cellular membranes). These studies furthered our understanding
of molecular switches and cell-signaling pathways and enabled the team to
design lead-like molecules with promising therapeutic properties.
"If your project involves elucidation of protein complexes, mapping
protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions, identifying a lead
for drug discovery, or studying protein post-translational modifications,
this facility is here for you," says Dr. Geneviève Seabrook, Research
Staff Scientist and NMR Core Facility Manager.
Equipped with three Bruker NMR spectrometers, the core provides a
suite of services. See below for which services are provided and
more info about the facility:
Services provided
- Complementary project consultation
- Help with experimental design
- Full support service
- Data acquisition; Data analysis and interpretation
- NMR training
Facility info
- Access provided to internal and external users
- Collaboration opportunities are available
- Operating hours are 24/7
While discussing the facility's commitment to optimizing operations,
Dr. Seabrook adds, "Our services and facilities are constantly being
renewed. Currently, we are upgrading our 600MHz NMR spectrometers for
compound and fragment screening. We are also working towards obtaining
a library of small molecule fragments for throughput screening."
For more information on NMR services and collaborations, please contact
Dr. Geneviève Seabrook at
Genevieve.Seabrook@uhn.ca.
