MR-LATVIA at NMR School 2025: “Biomolecular NMR: Advanced Tools, AI Perspective”
From 29 September to 3 October 2025, the University of Gothenburg hosted the advanced training school “Biomolecular NMR: Advanced Tools, AI Perspective.” This event brought together leading researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students in structural biology, biophysics, and biomolecular NMR from Europe and beyond. Participants engaged with lectures, hands-on workshops, poster sessions, and roundtable discussions addressing the frontiers of NMR methodology, data analysis, and the emerging intersection with artificial intelligence.
The training school was structured around a series of modules, including:
- High-resolution NMR techniques for biomolecules
- Latest advances in pulse sequences and hardware
- AI/ML tools for spectral assignment, chemical shift prediction, and structural inference
- Practical workshops in data processing, backbone assignment, dynamics analysis
- Poster sessions and structured networking segments to foster collaboration
By design, the event was an intensive yet interactive forum for knowledge exchange, critical discussion, and community building.
MR LATVIA Project Representation
The MR LATVIA consortium was represented by two of its researchers, Jana Petkus and Kristīne Senkāne, who attended with the goal of bringing back cutting-edge methods and building connections with peer groups.
Their presence enabled MR LATVIA to:
- Present recent data and receive feedback from experts in biomolecular NMR
- Discover new applications of AI-driven spectral tools relevant to our project
- Explore collaborations for method development and shared infrastructure
- Learn about novel approaches to complex sample systems (e.g. proteins in formulations, hydrogels)
Poster Presentations & Scientific Highlights
At the designated poster session, held midweek, the MR LATVIA delegates showcased their work:
- Jana Petkus
Solution-state NMR chemical shift of the full-length VLP–α-synuclein conjugate in vaccine formulations
Her poster described NMR spectral assignments and chemical shift mapping for a virus-like particle (VLP) conjugated with α-synuclein, in the context of vaccine formulation environments. This work addresses challenges such as line broadening, conformational heterogeneity, and signal overlap in complex formulations. - Kristīne Senkāne
Structural studies of spidroin N-terminal domain hydrogels
Kristīne’s poster focused on NMR-derived structural insights into the N-terminal domain (NTD) of spidroin proteins, particularly when forming hydrogels. The study probed conformational dynamics, intermolecular contacts, and network formation in hydrated gel matrices.
These presentations drew interest and discussion from attending faculty and participants, especially regarding experimental strategies and data interpretation in challenging sample matrices.
We thank the organizers at the University of Gothenburg for putting together all lecturers and participants for their engagement and scientific exchange.