Characterization of Dynamic IDP Complexes by NMR Spectroscopy

NMR spectroscopy has proven to be a key method for studying intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Nonetheless, traditional NMR methods developed for solving structures of ordered protein complexes are insufficient for the full characterization of dynamic IDP complexes, where the energy landscape is broader and more rugged. Furthermore, due to their high sensitivity to environmental changes, NMR studies of IDP complexes must be conducted with extra care and the observed NMR parameters thoroughly evaluated to enable disentanglement of binding events from ensemble distribution changes. In this chapter, written for the non-NMR expert, we start out by outlining sample preparation for IDP complexes, guide through the recording and evaluation of diagnostic H, N-HSQC spectra, and delineate more sophisticated NMR strategies to follow for the particular type of complex. The most relevant experiments are then described in terms of aims, needs, pitfalls, analysis, and expected outcomes, with references to recent examples.