The BCC NMR Shared Facility occupies a suite in the Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRC), located in the rear of the Cancer Center. The NMR Shared Facility is operated as part of the Structural Biology Program. The purpose-built NMR facility was formally opened in June, 2002. This facility currently houses two Varian Inova NMR spectrometers, which are available for collaborative studies.

1. 4-channel Varian Inova 14.1 T system (600 MHz for protons), equipped with a 5 mm HCN cold probe equipped with a removable 3 mm flow insert and flow system, a 5 mm inverse HCN probe, and an automatic sample changer (SMS). This configuration enables a wide range of 3D experiments to be carried out on isotopically labeled proteins including deuterium decoupling. The cold probe gives a welcome increase in sensitivity which is especially valuable for less soluble proteins or complexes, dilute metabolite samples, larger systems, and for metastable systems.

2. The second system operating at 18.8 T (800 MHz for protons) was funded through a $2M EPScor grant (P.I. Prof. R. Wittebort, Dept. Chemistry) and was installed and commissioned early in 2003. The 18.8 T system greatly aids the study of larger proteins and complexes by the agency of the TROSY technique. It is also equipped with accessories for solid state (CP-MAS) NMR including a 3.2 mm HCN MAS probe.

3. A third system is currently being installed. This is an Agilent wide-bore 9.4 T magnet with image gradient coils and will be used for cells, tissues and small animal MRI and MRS. The system was funded by grants from the DoD, DoE and NIH COBRE.

The NMR facility works closely with the Center for Regulatory Environmental Metabolomics (CREAM) which houses advanced mass spectrometry equipment.

Contact

Manager: Dr. S. Arumugam
Ph: 502 562-6832
Ph: 502 562-6073

For information about NMR time scheduling, inquiries about collaborative projects, or general information about NMR please contact Dr. Arumugam.

NMR Center provides maintenance, expertise and advice. Experiments are modified or installed as needed. We undertake development work for new and existing projects. Probe temperatures have been calibrated and an online manual for offsets is available. Additional spectrometer-specific information is kept in folders on the consoles for users to consult.

As isotopically labeled source molecules are best bought in bulk, we purchase commonly used compounds (e.g. [U-13C]-glucose, (15NH4 +)2SO4, in bulk, and pass on the savings to users. We will also keep good quality NMR tubes, including Shigemi tubes for recharge.

Access to the NMR Suite is restricted, and entry is by Prox card. Training is mandatory [the detection system is both fragile and expensive-enormous damage can be done by an unwary user].

Users have their own areas on the spectrometer data station. User groups will have a principal person who will be responsible for any trained members of that group. Alternatively, NMR can be done in collaboration with trained user groups, such as with Drs. Arumugam.

Time allocation is on an hourly basis and is charged according to instrument type and whether the user works unsupervised or Center staff acquires data.

As most projects require 2D and 3D spectra, the time is allocated in units of 24 hours.