# Structural Biology Shared Service

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · 2020 · $72,975

## Abstract

6.0 Abstract: Structural Biology Shared Service 
The Structural Biology Shared Service (SBSS) provides investigators with the facilities and expertise to collect 
and interpret molecular structural information (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], X-ray crystallography) to 
understand the molecular mechanism(s) of action of proteins and enzymes that contribute to cancer. The 
SBSS also facilitates identification of molecular agents (e.g., candidate drugs, molecular probes) that can be 
used to study the function of cancer targets and may have therapeutic potential. To achieve this mission, the 
SBSS implements a structural biology approach. This includes isolation and characterization of samples for 
NMR and X ray and application of state-of-the-art data collection methods in a collaborative environment that 
facilitates access by UMGCC investigators. In 2014, 36 UMGCC investigators used the SBSS. These 
investigators deposited 84 high-resolution structures into the protein database in addition to publishing in high- 
impact journals. The efforts of the SBSS have facilitated development of several novel, cancer target–specific 
small-molecule inhibitors. Interactions between the SBSS and investigators from multiple UMGCC programs 
have facilitated the integration of structural biology into the translational research efforts of UMGCC. Also of 
significance, the SBSS installed and commissioned a new 950 MHz NMR spectrometer purchased through an 
$8 million NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant. This is the only such instrument available in an academic 
institution in the United States and represents the largest Shared Instrumentation Grant awarded by NIH. The 
SBSS has also expanded and upgraded X-ray diffraction and robotic crystallization resources to enhance the 
use of these resources. 
In 2014, the SBSS supported 36 Cancer Center members spanning all 5 research programs (14 percent of all 
UMGCC members); 53 percent of UMGCC users have peer-reviewed funding. The SBSS supports many 
cancer-related publications annually, many in high-impact journals including Proceedings of the National 
Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, and Nature Structural & 
Molecular Biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9984989
- **Project number:** 5P30CA134274-13
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID S WEBER
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $72,975
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2008-08-08 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9984989

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9984989, Structural Biology Shared Service (5P30CA134274-13). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9984989. Licensed CC0.

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