Selective N-terminal functionalization of native peptides and proteins

Sensitivity booster for mass detection enables unambiguous analysis of peptides, proteins, antibodies, and protein bioconjugates

A chemical tag enhances peptide detection by multiple orders in mass spectrometry.

Oxidation of 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine Leads to Substantial DNA-Histone Cross-Links within Nucleosome Core Particles

8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine(8-oxodGuo) is a common primary product of cellular oxidative DNA damage. 8-OxodGuo is more readily oxidized than 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG); a two-electron oxidation generates a highly reactive intermediate (OG^ox), which forms covalent adducts with nucleophiles, including OH^-, free amines, and the side chains of amino acids such as lysine. We determined here that K₃Fe(CN)₆ oxidation of 8-oxodGuo in nucleosome core particles (NCPs) produces high yields, quantitative (i.e., 100%) in some cases, of DNA-protein cross-links (DPCs). The efficiency of DPC formation was closely related to 8-oxodGuo base pairing and location within the NCP and was only slightly decreased by adding the DNA-protective polyamine spermine to the system. Using NCPs that contained histone mutants, we determined that DPCs result predominantly from OG^ox trapping by the N-terminal histone amine. The DPCs were stable under physiological conditions and therefore could have important biological consequences. For instance, the essentially quantitative yield of DPCs at some positions within NCPs would reduce the yield of the mutagenic DNA lesions spiroiminodihydantoin and guanidinohydantoin produced from the common intermediate OG^ox, which in turn would affect mutation signatures of oxidative stress in a position-dependent manner. In summary, our findings indicate that site-specific incorporation of 8-oxodGuo into NCPs, followed by its oxidation, leads to DPCs with an efficiency depending on 8-oxodGuo location and orientation. Given that 8-oxodGuo formation is widespread in genomic DNA and that DPC formation is highly efficient, DPCs may occur in eukaryotic cells and may affect several important biological processes.

Single-Site Labeling of Native Proteins Enabled by a Chemoselective and Site-Selective Chemical Technology

Chemical biology research often requires precise covalent attachment of labels to the native proteins. Such methods are sought after to probe, design, and regulate the properties of proteins. At present, this demand is largely unmet due to the lack of empowering chemical technology. Here, we report a chemical platform that enables site-selective labeling of native proteins. Initially, a reversible intermolecular reaction places the "chemical linchpins" globally on all the accessible Lys residues. These linchpins have the capability to drive site-selective covalent labeling of proteins. The linchpin detaches within physiological conditions and capacitates the late-stage installation of various tags. The chemical platform is modular, and the reagent design regulates the site of modification. The linchpin is a multitasking group and facilitates purification of the labeled protein eliminating the requirement of additional chromatography tag. The methodology allows the labeling of a single protein in a mixture of proteins. The precise modification of an accessible residue in protein ensures that their structure remains unaltered. The enzymatic activity of myoglobin, cytochrome C, aldolase, and lysozyme C remains conserved after labeling. Also, the cellular uptake of modified insulin and its downstream signaling process remain unperturbed. The linchpin directed modification (LDM) provides a convenient route for the conjugation of a fluorophore and drug to a Fab and monoclonal antibody. It delivers trastuzumab-doxorubicin and trastuzumab-emtansine conjugates with selective antiproliferative activity toward Her-2 positive SKBR-3 breast cancer cells.

Achieving Controlled Biomolecule-Biomaterial Conjugation

The conjugation of biomolecules can impart materials with the bioactivity necessary to modulate specific cell behaviors. While the biological roles of particular polypeptide, oligonucleotide, and glycan structures have been extensively reviewed, along with the influence of attachment on material structure and function, the key role played by the conjugation strategy in determining activity is often overlooked. In this review, we focus on the chemistry of biomolecule conjugation and provide a comprehensive overview of the key strategies for achieving controlled biomaterial functionalization. No universal method exists to provide optimal attachment, and here we will discuss both the relative advantages and disadvantages of each technique. In doing so, we highlight the importance of carefully considering the impact and suitability of a particular technique during biomaterial design.

Selective N-terminal acylation of peptides and proteins with a Gly-His tag sequence

Methods for site-selective chemistry on proteins are in high demand for the synthesis of chemically modified biopharmaceuticals, as well as for applications in chemical biology, biosensors and more. Inadvertent N-terminal gluconoylation has been reported during expression of proteins with an N-terminal His tag. Here we report the development of this side-reaction into a general method for highly selective N-terminal acylation of proteins to introduce functional groups. We identify an optimized N-terminal sequence, GHHH_n- for the reaction with gluconolactone and 4-methoxyphenyl esters as acylating agents, facilitating the introduction of functionalities in a highly selective and efficient manner. Azides, biotin or a fluorophore are introduced at the N-termini of four unrelated proteins by effective and selective acylation with the 4-methoxyphenyl esters. This Gly-His_n tag adds the unique capability for highly selective N-terminal chemical acylation of expressed proteins. We anticipate that it can find wide application in chemical biology and for biopharmaceuticals.

Palladium-unleashed proteins: gentle aldehyde decaging for site-selective protein modification

A bioorthogonal decaging strategy has been developed to expose protein aldehydes using one equivalent of palladium, allowing site-selective protein labelling.

Aldehydes can switch the chemoselectivity of electrophiles in protein labeling

The derivatization of an electrophile can switch its chemoselectivity. The aldehyde-conjugated epoxide and sulfonate ester provide the proof of principle and deliver N-terminus tagged proteins.

Antigen-responsive fluorescent antibody probes generated by selective N-terminal modification of IgGs

Fluorescent antibody probes showing antigen-dependent fluorescence responses were developed by N-terminal-selective reductive alkylation of IgGs.

Selective lysine modification of native peptides via aza-Michael addition

N-Phenylvinylsulfonamides were developed as applicable reagents for site-selective lysine functionalization in native peptides with a free N-terminus.