Experimental Techniques: Methods for determining binding and dissociation constants: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). Fluorescence-based assays. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). X-ray crystallography . surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) : Principle: SPR detects changes in refractive index near a metal surface due to binding events, typically used for real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions. How it works: One molecule (usually a ligand) is immobilized on a sensor surface, while the other molecule (usually an analyte) is flowed over the surface. Binding events cause changes in the refractive index, which are detected as shifts in the SPR signal. Advantages: Real-time monitoring, label-free detection, high sensitivity. Limitations: Limited to interactions that occur on a surface, requires specialized equipment. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) : Principle: ITC measures the heat released or absorbed during a binding event, providing information on the thermodynamics of binding. How it works: The ligand is titrated into a solution containing the analyte, and the heat change is measured. From the resulting binding isotherm, binding constants and thermodynamic parameters (enthalpy, entropy) can be determined. Advantages: Direct measurement of binding affinity and thermodynamic parameters, no need for labeling. Limitations: Requires large amounts of sample, low throughput, may not be suitable for weak interactions. Fluorescence-based assays : Principle: Fluorescence-based assays utilize changes in fluorescence intensity or wavelength upon binding to measure binding events. How it works: One molecule (either the ligand or the analyte) is labeled with a fluorescent probe. Binding causes changes in fluorescence properties, which can be quantified using fluorometers. Advantages: High sensitivity, wide range of applications, relatively simple setup. Limitations: Potential for artifacts due to labeling, may require optimization for each system. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) : Principle: NMR spectroscopy detects interactions between atomic nuclei in a magnetic field, providing information on molecular structure and dynamics. How it works: By monitoring changes in NMR spectra upon binding, information about binding site, kinetics, and dynamics can be obtained. Advantages: Provides structural information at atomic resolution, can study dynamic processes. Limitations: Limited to small to medium-sized proteins, may require isotopic labeling, low throughput. X-ray crystallography : Principle: X-ray crystallography determines the three-dimensional structure of molecules by analyzing diffraction patterns produced by X-rays passing through crystallized samples. How it works: Crystals of the complex formed by the ligand and analyte are grown and exposed to X-rays. The resulting diffraction pattern is used to determine the spatial arrangement of atoms in the crystal. Advantages: Provides high-resolution structural information, can visualize binding interfaces and interactions. Limitations: Requires well-ordered crystals, may not capture dynamic processes, labor-intensive and time-consuming.