PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This project develops new experimental and computational methods for DEER (double electron-
electron resonance) spectroscopy. DEER is a biostructural technique for the quantification of
protein conformational landscapes and protein motions on the nanometer scale. Protein motions
are crucial for many key molecular processes at the basis of human life and disease. Therefore,
DEER provides important insights that contribute to the knowledge base necessary for drug
development. In combination with X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR, FRET and others,
DEER is part of a complementary set of integrative experimental biostructural tools. It is
especially important for the study of membrane proteins. Several major barriers exist in the field:
the lack of integrated analysis and modeling tools for biomedical researchers, and the lack of
experimental approaches for studying proteins in their native cellular environment. This project
directly addresses these issues as it aims to (a) develop methods and tools based on Bayesian
statistics and deep learning for the rigorous and reproducible analysis of experimental DEER
data; (b) create advanced computational approaches that utilize DEER data for modeling
proteins; (c) develop methodology based on noncanonical amino acids for labeling proteins
directly in their cellular environment; (d) advance a rapid freeze quench approach to measure
conformational dynamics down to the sub-millisecond time scale. Overall, the goal of the project
is to significantly expand the scope of DEER by providing innovative approaches to data
analysis, modeling, and in-cell and time-resolved measurements. This will enable the study of
the structure and dynamics of larger and more complex proteins and protein assemblies in the
cellular environment. This is of increasing importance in biomedical research.