Monitoring protein-metal binding by F NMR - a case study with the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1.

F NMR protein observed spectroscopy is evaluated as a method for analysing protein metal binding using the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1. The results imply F NMR is useful for analysis of different metallated protein states and investigations on equilibrium states in the presence of inhibitors. One limitation is that F labelling may affect metal ion binding. The sensitive readout of changes in protein behaviour observed by F NMR spectra coupled with the broad scope of tolerated conditions ( buffer variations) means F NMR should be further investigated for studying metal ion interactions and the inhibition of metallo-enzymes during drug discovery.