MISSOURI SYSTEM, UNIVERSITY OF

MRI-R2 Acquisition of a 600 MHz NMR Spectrometer.Intellectual Merit. The proposed spectrometer will be primarily used to investigate the structures and dynamics of protein, DNA and other biological macromolecules. Several of the new research projects involve DNA, proteins or protein domains and the researchers require knowledge of their three dimensional structure and dynamics in solution. These research projects include: Restriction Endomiclease Structure and Function (Dupureur); Structure, Dynamics and Function of PA Binding Domains of PP2C Like ABIl and Raf Like CTRI in the Free and Lipid Bound Forms (Wang); Structure and Conformations of Puf Repeat Domain mRNA Complexes and mRNA Degradation (Olivas); Structure and Biological Activity of the Amyloid P Peptide (Nichols); Antiviral Compounds for HPVs (Bashkin and Dupueur) and Accelerating Iron Release from Serum Transferrin (Harris). In addition, the projects of some of the Department's synthetic chemists are growing into areas which require NMR studies of more complex molecules. The research of these faculty members include: Synthetic Channels, Capsules, and Nanotubes Designed for Transport and for Drug Delivery(Gokel); Synthesis, Mechanism of Formation, Structure, and Conformation of Complex Glycostructures (Demchenko); Application of Chiral, Non Racemic Allylic Hydroxy Phosphonates for the Synthesis of Complex Natural Products (Spilling); Pt Si Aggregates from Si H Bond Activation Reactions (Wilking). Broader Impact. In addition to the obvious, immediate impact of a new, triple channel spectrometer on the research programs of the major users, the capabilities of the new instrument will complement the existing spectrometers in the UM St. Louis NMR facility and expand its capabilities. Certainly, a more modem and higher field instrument will permit more sophisticated studies in existing research programs. Because UM St. Louis is an analytical focal point (NMR, X ray, electron microscopy) for the region, an enhancement to the NMR facility will provide the regional academic and industrial scientific community greater access and capability. A third potential impact is on the culturally diverse student population of the University itself. For students from minority households of modest means, working in science with high capability instrumentation can be a profound experience that influences their career choices. The NMR facility structure, the student population and ethnic profile, and the coursework structure all portend significant influence in this area. In addition, the NMR facility supports the department's mission in research, education, and service to the local community. This increases our ability to fulfill our mission as the major public university in the St. Louis metropolitan area. A spectrometer will further two mission objectives of UM St. Louis. First, the campus is committed to excellence in undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, and professional education. Many of the students and postdoctoral associates, particularly those working in synthetic and biological chemistry, are trained to use the NMR spectrometers. The addition of a triple channel instrument will allow students to become familiar with some of the 3D techniques not accessible in the current facility. The instrument will improve the departmental graduate research training program as an integral part of graduate courses so that our graduate students will be better prepared for careers in research. Thus, this instrument will enhance education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as promoting the discovery and dissemination of knowledge. Finally, as described above, we will continue to provide NMR access to regional institutions that have limited resources. In addition, NMR Facility provides a service to the local business community and helps foster economic development. Many small start up companies in the St. Louis area lack the expertise and an NMR spectrometer.

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