Duke University will purchase and ultra-highfield nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer for advanced biochemical and chemical research. Highfield NMR has become an indispensable tool for studies of macromolecules with experience showing that the most productive approaches involve a combination of advanced/methodologies and the highest magnetic fields available. Basic scientists in six department will use one-and-two- dimensional NMR methods to study the solution structure and functional activity of biologically-important molecules in the following areas: 1. Repressor proteins and DNA regulation 2. Protein folding 3. Metalloenzyme structure and function 4. Macromolecular binding sites of molybdenum cofactors 5. Characterization and structure of complex sugars and membrane lipids 6. Biodynamics of photosynthetic metabolism 7. Structure/energy relations of aggregated systems 8. Interactions of human immunodeficiency virus glycoproteins 9. DNA processing enzymes 10. Initiation of DNA replication 11. Characterization of opiates and other drugs The proposed ultra-highfield spectrometer represents a significant new addition to the Duke Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Center, a shared instrument facility serving the region.
