NMR Spectroscopy for Studying Peptide Conformations and Cell Permeability

NMR spectroscopy is one of the most powerful methods to explore the structure and dynamics of peptides in solution. The three-dimensional solution structures of peptides, and in particular the number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, influence several properties, such as solubility and membrane permeability. NMR analysis readily provides information regarding the intramolecular hydrogen bonds within the peptide structure, as well as the number of conformations present in different solvent environments. Understanding the solution structures of peptides in different dielectric environments could aid in the design of new peptides for therapeutic uses. Herein we review the use of NMR as a method to study the solution conformations of peptides and discuss how peptide conformations influence their cell permeability.