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One of the great challenges of contemporary Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the application of the technique to highly complex problems in biology. No other form of spectroscopy can contribute to the elucidation of the structure, function and dynamics of biomacromolecules at the atomic level. Our research is focused on the following three broad areas: the structure of complexes between DNA and anticancer antibiotics; the structure of unusual forms of DNA that have biological significance; and the structure and function of moderately sized proteins with a special focus on proteins that bind to DNA and RNA.
Max Keniry graduated from the University of Sydney with a BSc (hons) and received his PhD from the University of Sydney.
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The catalytic core of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III contains three tightly associated subunits (α, ε, and θ). The refinement of the three-dimensional structure of the θ-subunit was completed by the NMR group.
More about Interaction of the theta-subunit and the epsilon-subunit of DNA Polymerase III
Spermine, an aliphatic polycationic molecule found in all cells, plays an essential role in cell growth and differentiation. At present, there is no thorough understanding of how polyamines exert their physiological effects.
More about NMR Studies of the Interaction of Spermine with DNA Quadruplexes
Calothrixin A and B are novel pentacyclic metabolites from cyanobacteria that exert growth-inhibitory effects at nanomolar concentrations against rapidly proliferating cell cultures. The exact mechanism of the biological activity has yet to be elucidated.
We continue to explore new ways of using NMR to study chemical and biochemical problems. An ongoing theme is the use of liquid cross polarisation (CP) techniques in our research.