In-cell NMR: a powerful approach for molecular characterization of functional processes

In-cell NMR, i.e., high-resolution NMR spectra of biomolecules in intact, living cells, represents one of the highest impact applications of magnetic resonance, as it allows to obtain information on the conformational and functional properties of biomolecules and their interactions at atomic resolution in conditions as close as possible to the physiological ones. Furthermore, it is powerful for drug screening as it allows the analysis in real time at the cellular level, in living human cells.

Methodological aspects need to be developed and implemented to address the various critical aspects of these systems from the NMR point of view: from the low sensitivity to the short life time of the sample, to the broadening of the signals, often beyond detection. 

Furthermore, the selective detection of the biomolecules of interest among the myriad of those present in the cell also needs to be addressed. The innovative approaches towards these challenges will be discussed, and a few examples of the striking power of this method will be presented with particular focus on metal homeostasis in the cells and for drug screening applications.

The speaker, Lucia Banci, works at CERM and the Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Sesto
Fiorentino, Italy