# Analysis tools for quantifying protein conformational landscapes using DEER spectroscopy

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2020 · $314,224

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This project develops new computational analysis and modeling methods for DEER (double electron-
electron resonance) spectroscopy. DEER is a biostructural technique for the quantification of protein
conformational landscapes and protein motions on the nanometer scale. Protein motions are crucial for
many key molecular processes at the basis of human life and disease. Therefore, DEER provides
important insights that contribute to the knowledge base necessary for drug development. In combination
with X-ray crystallography, NMR and cryo-EM, DEER is part of a complementary set of integrative
experimental biostructural tools. It is especially important for the study of membrane proteins. A major
barrier in the field is the lack of integrated analysis tools for biomedical researchers. This project
addresses this issue by (a) developing methods and tools based on Bayesian statistics for the rigorous
and reproducible analysis of experimental DEER data, providing comprehensive methods for uncertainty
quantification (error bars) in DEER data, and (b) creating advanced computational approaches that utilize
DEER data in the refinement of protein structures based on atomic-resolution ensemble models. Overall,
the goal of the project is to significantly accelerate the workflow of DEER data analysis, interpretation,
and modeling and to increase its rigor, reproducibility and accessibility. This will enable the study of the
structure and dynamics of larger and more complex proteins and protein assemblies, which are
increasingly important in biomedical research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9853811
- **Project number:** 5R01GM125753-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Stefan Stoll
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $314,224
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-01 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9853811

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9853811, Analysis tools for quantifying protein conformational landscapes using DEER spectroscopy (5R01GM125753-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9853811. Licensed CC0.

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