Studying intact bacterial peptidoglycan by proton-detected NMR spectroscopy at 100 kHz MAS frequency

Publication date: Available online 19 July 2018Source: Journal of Structural BiologyAuthor(s): Catherine Bougault, Isabel Ayala, Waldemar Vollmer, Jean-Pierre Simorre, Paul SchandaAbstractThe bacterial cell wall is composed of the peptidoglycan (PG), a large polymer that maintains the integrity of the bacterial cell. Due to its multi-gigadalton size, heterogeniety, and dynamics, atomic-resolution studies are inherently complex. Solid-state NMR is an important technique to gain insight into its structure, dynamics and interactions. Here, we explore the possibilities to study the PG with ultra-fast (100 kHz) magic-angle spinning NMR. We demonstrate that highly resolved spectra can be obtained, and show strategies to obtain site-specific resonance assignments and distance information. We also explore the use of proton-proton correlation experiments, thus opening the way for NMR studies of intact cell walls without the need for isotope labeling.

Source: Journal of Structural Biology - July 20, 2018 Category: Biology Source Type: research