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NMR-Bio: Pushing the boundaries of NMR to visualize large proteins


Originated from the Institute of Structural Biology and from our laboratory, the NMR-Bio start-up is developing an innovative approach to isotope labeling in order to study large proteins by nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on the enrichment of stable isotopes of proteins and on the selective protonation of their methyl groups, the technology makes it possible to study the structure and dynamics of these macromolecules in order to identify and validate therapeutic targets and/or drug candidates.

Published on 26 April 2017
Enzymes, hormones, receptors ... Proteins have a wide variety of essential functions for the proper functioning of a living organism. These biological macromolecules intervene notably in the cellular processes and the structure of the tissues. Their misfolding or inappropriate interactions are often associated with the emergence of pathologies.

Better visualization of these phenomena then becomes essential to identify and validate new therapeutic targets or drug candidates for the pharmaceutical industry. The contribution of NMR spectroscopy is undeniable: the technique is commonly used to analyze the structure and dynamics of proteins in solution. Although powerful, this tool only allows, in its standard version, for the study of low molecular weight proteins (less than 30 kDa).

The NMR-Bio start-up, originated from work carried out at the Institute of Structural Biology and the Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology in Grenoble, on the development of isotopically labeled precursors, is pushing the borders of the NMR. Created in January 2016 by Jérôme Boisbouvier, Olivier Hamelin and Rime Kerfah, it proposes an innovative approach to study, at the atomic scale, assemblies of high molecular weight proteins. The start-up develops technological solutions for isotopic labeling and selective protonation of the methyl groups (13CH3) of proteins. It relies on patented technology for which it has operating licenses [References].

The strategy is based on the isotopic exchange of 1H hydrogen atoms by 2H deuterium, whose deleterious effects on the NMR signal are more limited. The technology allows the study of essential proteins for health (up to 1 MDa) in conditions close to the physiological context; to obtain essential information for understanding their functions and modes of action; to analyze their interactions with other substrate molecules in solution; and to consider the development of new drugs.

NMR-Bio develops a combined offer towards academic and industrial players. It markets ready-to-use kits that contain the precursors or amino acids needed for protein isotope labeling. It also offers a range of services including custom synthesis of isotopically and non-isotopically labeled proteins, and the acquisition and analysis of NMR data through the access to state-of-the-art NMR equipment. Finally, NMR-Bio carries a strong commitment to Research & Development in order to continue to develop new marking techniques and promote the basic research work of its original laboratories.

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