R. Scott Prosser
Professor
BSc, University of New Brunswick, 1985
MSc, University of Guelph, 1988
PhD, University of Guelph, 1992
Address | University of Toronto, Mississauga South Building, Room Toronto, ON |
Lab | Prosser Lab |
Lab Phone | 905-828-38024052 |
scott.prosser@utoronto.ca |
Professor (2014-present)
Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Toronto
Director (2008-present)
Master of Biotechnlogy Program
University of Toronto Mississauga
Associate Professor (2008-2014)
Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Toronto
Assistant Professor (2002-2008)
Department of Chemistry
University of Toronto
Assistant Professor (1997-2001)
Department of Chemistry
Kent State University
MRC Postdoctoral Fellow (1994-1996)
Department of Chemistry
University of California at San Diego
Supervisor: Prof. R. Vold
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (1993-1994)
Department of Physical Chemistry
University of Stuttgart
Supervisor: Prof. G. Kothe
Ph.D., Biophysics University of Guelph
Advisor: Dr. J. H. Davis
M.Sc., Biophysics University of Guelph
Advisor: Dr. J. H. Davis
Research Lab
Our research focuses on dynamics and mechanisms of complex biological processes such as:
- Protein folding
- PrP and amyloidosis
- Enzyme functional dynamics
- GPCR functional dynamics
- Direct molecular imaging of proteins and nanoparticles by MRI
Learn more: Prosser Lab
Research Description
Using NMR to Investigate Protein Structure and Dynamics
We focus on problems relating to protein structure and dynamics using NMR. Our recent efforts have centered on new methods to study membrane protein topology and dynamics and protein folding. In addition to the normal regimen of solution NMR approaches we make full use of fluorine and 13C NMR via tags and biosynthetic approaches to study protein structure and dynamics. We also utilize pressure effects and paramagnetic effects from dissolved oxygen as a “molecular contrast agent” in studies of membrane protein and disordered protein topologies. It’s fair to say that we cover the gambit of molecular biology, biochemistry, NMR, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, with a pinch of biophysics. Much of ongoing work in the lab is also focused on a new project involving the use of nanoparticle contrast agents for medical imaging. The work naturally ties in with MRI, Computed Tomography (CT), epi-fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and related cell- and small animal imaging.
- Nanoparticles for Medical Imaging. We are investigating the potential of a class of lanthanide trifluoride nanoparticle for medical imaging.Our goal is to co-develop a common platform such that the nanoparticles may be used for a variety of medical imaging and therapeutic applications. We have succeeded in producing dramatically uniform nanoparticles and we are pursuing focused applications in MRI, CT, and fluorescence imaging.
- Conformation and Dynamics of 13C and 19F-tagged proteins. We are experimenting with methyl and CF3 tags which are residue specific and which provide details on conformation and dynamics of proteins. We have several projects focused on the study of a GPCR and millisecond conformational dynamics related to the inactive and active conformations, in addition to a recent project in which protein folding is monitored in vivo.
- Studies of protein topologies using dissolved oxygen (O2). Dissolved O2causes distinct paramagnetic shifts in fluorine (19F) and carbon (13C) resonances. These shifts are proportional to the extent of solvent exposed surface area. A detailed mapping of paramagnetic shifts or rates from dissolved O2 and separate measures of solvent isotope effects provides information at atomic resolution of the surface topology and surface potentials of proteins.
- Studies of membranes and membrane proteins using dissolved O2. In membranes (lipid bilayers and micelles) O2 adopts a pronounced concentration gradient from the water interface to the hydrophobic center. The resulting paramagnetic gradient can be used to measure immersion depth with unprecedented detail, particularly when a second complementary paramagnetic additive is used. The experiments may be used to refine membrane protein structures and understand their topologies.
- NMR studies of proteins, membranes, and disordered systems under pressure. The application of modest pressure (< 270 bar) is a useful means of studying packing, specific volumes, and compressibilities of membranes and even membrane proteins.
- Studies of protein conformation and dynamics by 19F NMR. Over the past few years we have invested a significant effort in developing ways of biosynthetically tagging proteins with 19F labels. The most interesting aspects of protein biochemistry invariably involve “change” and 19F NMR is one of the most sensitive means of studying kinetics, binding, enzymatic processes, or intra/intermolecular dynamics. We hope to apply the 19F NMR techniques under development in our lab to studies of membrane proteins and intrinsically disordered proteins, which represent two of the most interesting and challenging niches in structural biology.
Courses Taught
Publications
View all publications on PubMed
Conformational Selection and Functional Dynamics of Calmodulin: A 19F NMR Study
Hoang J, Prosser RS.
Biochemistry. 2014 Sep 16;53(36):5727-36. Read
New pipelines for novel allosteric GPCR modulators.
Prosser RS.
Biophys J. 2014 Jul 15;107(2):287-8. Read
Temperature and pressure based NMR studies of detergent micelle phase equilibria.
Alvares R, Gupta S, Macdonald PM, Prosser RS.
J Phys Chem B. 2014 May 29;118(21):5698-706. Read