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R R Ernst

Publications and source records attributed to R R Ernst.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Multi-conformational peptide dynamics derived from NMR data: a new search algorithm and its application to antamanide.

A search algorithm, called MEDUSA, is presented which allows the determination of multiple conformations of biomolecules in solution with exchange rate constants typically between 10(3) and 10(7) s-1 on the basis of experimental high-resolution NMR data. Multiples of structures are generated which are consistent as ensembles with NMR cross-relaxation rates (NOESY, ROESY), scalar J-coupling constants, and T1 rho measurements. The algorithm is applied to the cyclic decapeptide antamanide dissolved in chloroform. The characteristic radio-frequency field dependence of the T1 rho relaxation rates found for the NH protons of Val1 and Phe6 can be explained by a dynamical exchange between two structures.

Algorithms

The structure of gramicidin A in dimethylsulfoxide/acetone.

It has been demonstrated by two-dimensional NMR cross-relaxation spectroscopy that gramicidin A exists in dimethylsulfoxide/acetone solution in random coil form. This contradicts earlier conclusions by Hawkes et al. [Hawkes, G. E., Lian, L. Y., Randall, E. W., Sales, K. D. & Curzon, E. H. (1987) Eur. J. Biochem. 166, 437-445] that were based on the interpretation of vicinal proton coupling constants.

Acetone

Three-dimensional NMR spectroscopy of a protein in solution.

The geometric information used to solve three-dimensional (3D) structures of proteins by NMR spectroscopy resides in short (less than 5 A) interproton-distance data. To obtain these distances, the 1H-NMR spectrum must first be assigned using correlation and nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments to demonstrate through-bond (scalar) and through-space connectivities, respectively. Because the NOE is proportional to r-6, distance information can then be derived. The increased resolution afforded by extending NMR experiments into a second dimension enables one to detect and interpret effects that would not be possible in one dimension owing to extensive spectral overlap and much reduced information. A number of small protein structures have previously been solved in this way. Extending this methodology to larger proteins, however, requires yet an additional improvement in resolution as overlap of cross-peaks in the two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectra present a major barrier to their unambiguous identification. One way of increasing the resolution is to extend the 2D-NMR experiments into a third dimension. We report here the applicability of three-dimensional NMR to macromolecules using the 46-residue protein alpha 1-purothionin as an example.

Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides

Ethylene oxide resistance of nondesiccated and desiccated spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger hermetically sealed in various polymeric films.

The resistance to destruction of spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger hermetically sealed in various polymeric films and exposed to ethylene oxide with and without relative humidity was determined. The effect of desiccation was also determined. The order of increased resistance to sterilization with regard to type of polymeric film was found to be: polyethylene equal to polyvinyl chloride, less than nylon, less than cellophane/polyethylene laminate, less than phenoxy, less than mylar/polyethylene laminate. Desiccated spores sealed in various polymeric films were much more resistant to ethylene oxide sterilization than nondesiccated spores. Relative humidity was an important factor in ethylene oxide sterilization with spores not sealed in polymeric films. However, with spores hermetically sealed in polyethylene, added relative humidity was an insignificant factor in the sterilization process.

Bacillus subtilis