Spatially resolved DNP-assisted NMR illuminates the conformational ensemble of α-synuclein in intact viable cells.

ABSTRACT: The protein α-syn adopts a wide variety of conformations including an intrinsically disordered monomeric form and an α-helical rich membrane-associated form that is thought to play an important role in cellular membrane processes. However, despite the high affinity of α-syn for membranes, evidence that the α-helical form is adopted inside cells has been indirect. DNP-assisted solid state NMR on frozen cellular samples can report on protein conformations inside cells. Moreover, by controlling the distribution of the DNP polarization agent throughout the cellular biomass, such experiments can provide quantitative information upon the entire structural ensemble or provide information about spatially resolved sub-populations. Using DNP-assisted magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR we establish that

SUBMITTER: Kragelj J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10634803 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature