MRI-R2 Acquisition of a 600 MHz NMR Spectrometer

University Of Missouri-Saint Louis, Saint Louis MO

Investigators

Abstract

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program Professor Christopher D. Spilling and colleagues from the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis will acquire a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. The instrument will be used to support research activities dealing with synthetic chemistry as well as structures and dynamics of protein, DNA and other biological macromolecules. Specific examples are: 1) restriction endonuclease structure and function; 2) structure, dynamics and function of PA-binding domains of PP2C-like ABI1 and Raf-like CTR1 in free and lipid-bound forms; 3) structure and conformations of Puf repeat domain-mRNA complexes and mRNA degradation; 4) structure and biological activity of the amyloid-beta peptide; 5) antiviral compounds for HPVs; 6) accelerating iron release from serum transferring; 7) synthetic channels, capsules, and nanotubes designed for transport and for drug delivery; 8) synthesis, mechanism of formation, structure, and conformation of complex glycostructures; 9) application of chiral, non-racemic allylic hydroxy phosphonates for the synthesis of complex natural products; and 10) Pt-Si aggregates from Si-H bond activation reactions. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful tools available to chemists for the elucidation of the structure of molecules. It is used to identify unknown substances, to characterize specific arrangements of atoms within molecules, and to study the dynamics of interactions between molecules in solution. Access to state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers is essential to chemists who are carrying out frontier research. The results from these NMR studies will have an impact in synthetic organic/inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry and biochemistry. This instrument will be an integral part of teaching as well as research.