Bruker has announced the installation of a 1.2 GHz Ascend™ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer at the Swiss High-field NMR Facility, a collaborative research center jointly operated by the University of Basel, ETH Zürich, and the University of Zürich. This cutting-edge instrument will enhance the research capabilities of various user groups, supporting advanced studies in structural biology and macromolecular analysis. Located at the University of Zürich, it becomes the second 1.2 GHz NMR in Switzerland, complementing the first one at ETH Zürich, which focuses on developing solid-state NMR techniques for studying materials and biological systems.
Bruker has announced the installation of a 1.2 GHz Ascend™ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer at the Swiss High-field NMR Facility, a collaboration between the University of Zürich, ETH Zürich, and the University of Basel. This state-of-the-art instrument will significantly enhance research capabilities in structural biology and macromolecular analysis, complementing existing high-field NMRs, including an 800 MHz NMR at Biozentrum Basel. The new 1.2 GHz NMR will support a range of studies, including protein structure determination, protein dynamics, ligand binding studies, conformational fingerprinting, and protein-protein interactions.
Key Research Applications
The 1.2 GHz NMR will be instrumental for cutting-edge studies, particularly in the field of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play crucial roles in various biological processes and are key targets for drug discovery. Professor Oliver Zerbe from the University of Zürich explained, “The 1.2 GHz NMR enables us to study GPCRs in unprecedented detail, providing insights into their dynamic behavior and aiding drug binding studies. The higher resolution and dispersion will allow us to examine interactions of drug candidates with these receptors in greater depth.” Additionally, Professor Ricarda Törner, who will join UZH in 2025, plans to use the enhanced resolution for her research on intrinsically disordered proteins.
The high-resolution NMR will also benefit Professor Sigel’s group at the University of Zürich, who will use it to advance their RNA research, exploring molecular interactions at atomic precision.
Advancing Structural Biology Research
Stephan Grzesiek, a professor of Structural Biology at Biozentrum Basel and one of the key figures behind the Swiss high-field NMR initiative, noted, “The 1.2 GHz NMR represents a major leap forward for solution NMR in Switzerland. It will enable new methods and extend our ability to explore disease-relevant applications, such as GPCR signaling and cancer research.” His colleague, Professor Sebastian Hiller at Biozentrum Basel, highlighted that the NMR would be particularly useful for studying the structures and dynamics of chaperone-client complexes. These complexes are critical for understanding diseases like Parkinson’s, as they play a role in protein folding and cellular function.
A Major Step for Swiss Research
The installation of the 1.2 GHz NMR marks a milestone in Switzerland’s scientific infrastructure. Detlef Günther, former Vice President of Research at ETH Zürich, commented, “This ultra-high-field NMR will be a game-changer for our researchers, enabling groundbreaking studies in structural biology and enhancing our understanding of complex biological systems.”
About Bruker Corporation
Bruker Corporation (Nasdaq: BRKR) is a leader in providing scientific instruments and analytical solutions that enable breakthrough discoveries in the post-genomic era. Bruker’s high-performance tools support a broad range of research, from life sciences and biopharma applications to materials science, nanoanalysis, and semiconductor metrology. With a focus on innovation, Bruker works closely with customers to drive advancements in proteomics, genomics, single-cell biology, clinical diagnostics, and more. Through these technologies, Bruker is improving human health and advancing scientific understanding at the molecular and cellular levels.
