Molecular conformations and dynamics in the extracellular matrix of mammalian structural tissues: Solid-state NMR spectroscopy approaches

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy has played an important role in multidisciplinary studies of the extracellular matrix. Here we review how solid-state NMR has been used to probe collagen molecular conformations, dynamics, post-translational modifications and non-enzymatic chemical changes, and in calcified tissues, the molecular structure of bone mineral and its interface with collagen. We conclude that NMR spectroscopy can deliver vital information that in combination with data from structural imaging techniques, can result in significant new insight into how the extracellular matrix plays its multiple roles.