Efficient NMR crystallography of nucleic acid systems

Objective

"The goal of this proposal is to develop efficient strategies for the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) crystallography of organic molecular solids, focussing on nucleic acids and their derivatives. These systems are natural targets for the developing field of crystallography via NMR since H-bonding and tautomerism are central to their biological activity. The structure and function of RNA and DNA depends strongly on associated metal ions and with water molecules, but the non-covalent and dynamic nature of these interactions creates severe problems for their characterisation in the solution state, while characterising the role of water and hydrogen bonding in the solid state via X-ray diffraction techniques is also difficult. As well as providing a variety of challenges for NMR, such as paramagnetic metal ions, these studies will provide direct information on local structure and dynamics in these key biological materials that is inaccessible to conventional crystallography."

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › metals
• natural sciences › earth and related environmental sciences › geology › mineralogy › crystallography
• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › nucleic acid

Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM

Address

Stockton Road The Palatine Centre
DH1 3LE Durham
United Kingdom

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

EU contribution

€ 156 775,05

Administrative Contact

Wendy Harle (Ms.)