A CURE Biochemistry Laboratory Module to Study Protein-Protein Interactions by NMR Spectroscopy

The design of undergraduate laboratory courses that provide meaningful research-based experiences enhances undergraduate curricula and prepares future graduate students for research careers. In this article, a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) laboratory module was designed for upper-division undergraduate biochemistry and chemistry students. The laboratory module enabled students to build upon recently published data in the literature to decipher atomistic insight for an essential protein-protein interaction in human biology through the use of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy. Students compared their results with published data with the goal of identifying specific regions of the protein- protein interaction responsible for triggering an allosteric conformational change. The laboratory module introduced students to basic and advanced laboratory techniques, including protein purification, NMR spectroscopy, and analysis of protein structure using molecular visualization software.