National High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre (NANUC)

University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
What the facility does

Solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of structures, interactions and dynamics of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, glycans, ligand screening, biofluids, metabolomics

Areas of expertise

Academic researchers and companies are welcome to access nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy services and expertise to characterize biological molecules and biofluids. The centre provides access to the latest NMR technologies, including an 800 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with Canada’s first Bruker NEO console; two cryoprobes offering detection of proton, carbon, nitrogen, fluorine and phosphorus nuclei with sample volumes between 30 and 600 microlitres; and a high throughput SampleJet that handles 96 well arrays of tubes. Macromolecules can be isotope labelled for assignment or elucidation of structures and dynamics, or can be unlabelled for identification of ligands from lipid, metabolite or drug fragment libraries. Collaborative support is available for analysis of membrane proteins in nanodiscs, multidomain proteins, peripheral membrane proteins and enzymes such as kinases and phosphatases. Metabolomics analysis of blood, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, cell cultures, media and lysates, and beverages is available. Access to 600 and 500 MHz NMR systems is provided, including in class 2+ category containment for infectious prion samples. Office and meeting space and a wet-lab area for sample preparation are available. Consultation and training is provided to new users.

Research services

Acquisition of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, including 1D and multidimensional spectra; data processing by software including NMRPipe, NMRfx and TOPSPIN; data analysis by packages, including Chenomx NMR Suite, CYANA, NMRView, Sparky and TALOS; user consultation; highly qualified personnel (HQP) training; technical support, including advice on sample preparation, storage and transportation; pulse sequences; and NMR software.

Sectors of application
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
  • Chemical industries
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
EquipmentFunction

600 MHz NMR spectrometer

Varian console and probes

Analysis of biofluids and biological molecules

500 MHz NMR spectrometer

Varian console and probes

Analysis of biofluids and molecules including prions in a containment level 2+ lab
TitleURL
Modified PIP protein differentiates between cancerous and non-cancerous cells.https://www.drugtargetreview.com/news/30340/modified-pip-cancerous-cells/