NMR Spectrometer Unraveling Disease Processes

Steven Van Doren, associate professor of biochemistry at the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU; MO, USA), is utilizing NMR technology to better understand the structure and movement of proteins, especially those that contribute to cancer, emphysema, aneurysms, and atherosclerosis, which cause heart attacks and strokes. The data can then be used for drug development. Dr. Van Doren's research team is also utilizing the technology to study proteins that plants use to fight infections.

The NMR spectrometer functions similar to a radio, using MHz frequencies and an antenna to transmit and receive signals. However, it is more powerful than a radio, much larger in size, and consists of several components; the most significant is a superconducting magnet, which stands about 10 feet tall. A pencil-sized test tube, containing the research sample, is inserted at the top of the large magnet. Radio waves stimulate the molecules inside the test tube, transmitting radio waves back to the device that are translated into detailed images representing the protein molecules. The images are then displayed on a computer monitor.

Dr. Van Doren's NMR research has resulted in breakthroughs regarding TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase), a protein that promotes the progression of cancer and arthritis. It also inhibits cancer and arthritis by fighting the formation of new blood vessels. TIMP proteins are now being modified to enhance their therapeutic potential. "When you understand the molecular basis of life and disease, you better understand how to interfere with processes that lead to disease,” Dr. Van Doren said.

Dr. Van Doren expects further research advancements when MU acquires a new and more powerful spectrometer. Currently, MU has four spectrometers, which operate at frequencies of 250, 300, 500, and 600 MHz; however, Dr. Van Doren reported that the newest, at 800 MHz, will far outperform the others.

MU's newest superconducting magnet will stand nearly 12 feet tall, weighing nearly 8,000 pounds. "The performance goes up exponentially with the number of MHz,” Dr. Van Doren said. "We'll be able to study much larger assemblies of these molecules of life and tackle much more challenging problems of greater medical, agriculture, and biotechnology interest.”



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