Molecular descriptions of intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs) are fundamental to understanding their cellular functions and regulation. NMR spectroscopy has been a leading tool in characterizing IDRs at the atomic level. In this review, we highlight recent conceptual breakthroughs in the study of IDRs facilitated by NMR and discuss emerging NMR techniques that bridge molecular descriptions to cellular functions. First, we review the assemblies formed by IDRs at various scales, from one-to-one complexes to non-stoichiometric clusters and condensates, discussing how NMR characterizes their structural dynamics and molecular interactions. Next, we explore several unique interaction modes of IDRs that enable regulatory mechanisms such as selective transport and switch-like inhibition. Finally, we highlight recent progress in solid-state NMR and in-cell NMR on IDRs, discussing how these methods allow for atomic characterization of full-length IDR complexes in various phases and cellular environments. This review emphasizes recent conceptual and methodological advancements in IDR studies by NMR and offers future perspectives on bridging the gap between in vitro molecular descriptions and the cellular functions of IDRs.
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Recent Advances in Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Techniques for Materials Research
Establishing structure–property correlations is of paramount importance to materials research. The ability to selectively detect observable magnetization from transitions between quantized spin states of nuclei makes nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy a powerful probe to characterize solids at the atomic level. In this article, we review recent advances in NMR techniques in six areas: spectral resolution, sensitivity, atomic correlations, ion dynamics, materials imaging, and hardware innovation. In particular, we focus on the applications of these techniques to materials research. Specific examples are given following the general introduction of each topic and technique to illustrate how they are applied. In conclusion, we suggest future directions for advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy in interdisciplinary research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Materials Research, Volume 50 is July 1, 2020. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1808517
- PAR ID:
- 10164092
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Annual Review of Materials Research
- Volume:
- 50
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1531-7331
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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