TRACT revisited: an algebraic solution for determining overall rotational correlation times from cross-correlated relaxation rates

Scott A. Robson, Çağdaş Dağ, Hongwei Wu, Joshua J. Ziarek*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Accurate rotational correlation times (τc) are critical for quantitative analysis of fast timescale NMR dynamics. As molecular weights increase, the classic derivation of τc using transverse and longitudinal relaxation rates becomes increasingly unsuitable due to the non-trivial contribution of remote dipole–dipole interactions to longitudinal relaxation. Derivations using cross-correlated relaxation experiments, such as TRACT, overcome these limitations but are erroneously calculated in 65% of the citing literature. Herein, we developed an algebraic solutions to the Goldman relationship that facilitate rapid, point-by-point calculations for straightforward identification of appropriate spectral regions where global tumbling is likely to be dominant. The rigid-body approximation of the Goldman relationship has been previously shown to underestimate TRACT-based rotational correlation time estimates. This motivated us to develop a second algebraic solution that employs a simplified model-free spectral density function including an order parameter term that could, in principle, be set to an average backbone S2 ≈ 0.9 to further improve the accuracy of τc estimation. These solutions enabled us to explore the boundaries of the Goldman relationship as a function of the H–N internuclear distance (r), difference of the two principal components of the axially-symmetric 15N CSA tensor (Δ δN), and angle of the CSA tensor relative to the N–H bond vector (θ). We hope our algebraic solutions and analytical strategies will increase the accuracy and application of the TRACT experiment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)293-302
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Biomolecular NMR
Volume75
Issue number8-9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

Funding

This study was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant R00GM115814 (J.J.Z.), Indiana University start-ups (J.J.Z.), and the Indiana Precision Health Initiative (J.J.Z.). The 800 MHz NMR spectrometer used in this research was generously supported by a grant from the Lilly Endowment.

Keywords

  • Chemical shift anisotropy (CSA)
  • Dipole–dipole (DD)
  • Model-free
  • NMR
  • Order parameters
  • TROSY

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Spectroscopy

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