Deriving accurate interproton distances from ROESY spectra with limited knowledge of scalar coupling constants via the CARNIVAL algorithm. An iterative complete-relaxation-matrix approach.

A method (termed CARNIVAL) for accurately determining distances from proton homonuclear rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) is described. The method entails an iterative calculation of the relaxation matrix using methodology introduced with the MARDIGRAS algorithm for analysis of two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectra (B. A. Borgias and T. L. James, J. Magn. Reson. 87, 475, 1990). The situation is complicated in the case of ROESY as spectral peak intensities are influenced by resonance offset and contributions from homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn (HOHAHA) transfer if the nuclear spins are related by scalar coupling. The effects of spin-locking field strength on distance determinations and the ensuing distance errors incurred when HOHAHA corrections are made with limited knowledge of scalar (J) coupling information have been evaluated using simulated ROESY intensities with a model peptide structure. It has been demonstrated that accurate distances can be obtained with little or no explicit knowledge of the homonuclear coupling constants over a moderate range of spin-locking field strengths. The CARNIVAL algorithm has been utilized to determine distances in a decapeptide using experimental ROESY data without measured coupling constants.