Nuclear Resonance Spectroscopy of Biomolecules

Northeastern University, Boston MA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will utilize nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy as a highly specific, quantitative probe for vibrational dynamics in iron-containing proteins. Measurements of X-ray absorption with seven wavenumber resolution near the Fe-57 Mossbauer resonance will reveal the complete vibrational spectrum of Fe at protein active sites. An investigation of the sensitivity of previously unobserved mode frequencies to chemical and conformational changes at the active site will be performed. The feasibility of using Kr-83, which binds to internal protein cavities, as a vibrational probe for biomolecules that do not contain Fe will also be examined. The project is jointly supported by the Division of Physics, the Molecular Biophysics program in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate.