Dance with spins: site-directed spin labeling coupled to electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy directly inside cells

Depicting how biomolecules move and interact within their physiological environment is one of the hottest topics of structural biology. This Feature Article gives an overview of the most recent advances in Site-directed Spin Labeling coupled to Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (SDSL-EPR) to study biomolecules in living cells. The high sensitivity, the virtual absence of background, and the versatility of spin-labeling strategies make this approach one of the most promising techniques for the study of biomolecules in physiologically relevant environments. After presenting the milestones achieved in this field, we present a summary of the future goals and ambitions of this community.

Automated summary

This Feature Article provides an overview of the recent advances in Site-directed Spin Labeling coupled to Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (SDSL-EPR) for studying biomolecules in living cells. The sensitivity, lack of background interference, and versatility of spin-labeling strategies make this approach highly promising for studying biomolecules in physiological environments.