Strategies to Target Specific Components of the Ubiquitin Conjugation/Deconjugation Machinery

Rapid diazotransfer for selective lysine labelling

Azide functionalization of protein and peptide lysine residues allows selective bioorthogonal labeling to introduce new, site selective functionaltiy into proteins. Optimised diazotransfer reactions under mild conditions allow aqueous diazotransfer to occur in just 20 min at pH 8.5 on amino acid, peptide and protein targets. In addition, conditons can be modified to selectively label a single lysine residue in both protein targets investigated. Finally, we demonstrate selective modification of proteins containing a single azidolysine using copper(I)-catalyzed triazole formation.

Probing the metalloproteome: an 8-mercaptoquinoline motif enriches minichromosome maintenance complex components as significant metalloprotein targets in live cells

Affinity-based probes are valuable tools for detecting binding interactions between small molecules and proteins in complex biological environments. Metalloproteins are a class of therapeutically significant biomolecules which bind metal ions as part of key structural or catalytic domains and are compelling targets for study. However, there is currently a limited range of chemical tools suitable for profiling the metalloproteome. Here, we describe the preparation and application of a novel, photoactivatable affinity-based probe for detection of a subset of previously challenging to engage metalloproteins. The probe, bearing an 8-mercaptoquinoline metal chelator, was anticipated to engage several zinc metalloproteins, including the 26S-proteasome subunit Rpn11. Upon translation of the labelling experiment to mammalian cell lysate and live cell experiments, proteomic analysis revealed that several metalloproteins were competitively enriched. The diazirine probe SMK-24 was found to effectively enrich multiple components of the minichromosome maintenance complex, a zinc metalloprotein assembly with helicase activity essential to DNA replication. Cell cycle analysis experiments revealed that HEK293 cells treated with SMK-24 experienced stalling in G0/G1 phase, consistent with inactivation of the DNA helicase complex. This work represents an important contribution to the library of cell-permeable chemical tools for studying a collection of metalloproteins for which no previous probe existed.

Selective macrocyclic peptide modulators of Lys63-linked ubiquitin chains disrupt DNA damage repair

Developing an effective binder for a specific ubiquitin (Ub) chain is a promising approach for modulating various biological processes with potential applications in drug discovery. Here, we combine the Random Non-standard Peptides Integrated Discovery (RaPID) method and chemical protein synthesis to screen an extended library of macrocyclic peptides against synthetic Lys63-linked Di-Ub to discover a specific binder for this Ub chain. Furthermore, next-generation binders are generated by chemical modifications. We show that our potent cyclic peptide is cell-permeable, and inhibits DNA damage repair, leading to apoptotic cell death. Concordantly, a pulldown experiment with the biotinylated analog of our lead cyclic peptide supports our findings. Collectively, we establish a powerful strategy for selective inhibition of protein-protein interactions associated with Lys63-linked Di-Ub using cyclic peptides. This study offers an advancement in modulating central Ub pathways and provides opportunities in drug discovery areas associated with Ub signaling.

Recent progress in dissecting ubiquitin signals with chemical biology tools

Protein ubiquitination regulates almost all eukaryotic cellular processes, and is of very high complexity due to the diversity of ubiquitin (Ub) modifications including mono-, multiply mono-, homotypic poly-, and even heterotypic poly-ubiquitination. To accurately elucidate the role of each specific Ub signal in different cells with spatiotemporal resolutions, a variety of chemical biology tools have been developed. In this review, we summarize some recently developed chemical biology tools for ubiquitination studies and their applications in molecular and cellular biology.

Flipping the Switch: Innovations in Inducible Probes for Protein Profiling

Over the past two decades, activity-based probes have enabled a range of discoveries, including the characterization of new enzymes and drug targets. However, their suitability in some labeling experiments can be limited by nonspecific reactivity, poor membrane permeability, or high toxicity. One method for overcoming these issues is through the development of “inducible” activity-based probes. These probes are added to samples in an unreactive state and require in situ transformation to their active form before labeling can occur. In this Review, we discuss a variety of approaches to inducible activity-based probe design, different means of probe activation, and the advancements that have resulted from these applications. Additionally, we highlight recent developments which may provide opportunities for future inducible activity-based probe innovations.

Exploring the Versatility of the Covalent Thiol-Alkyne Reaction with Substituted Propargyl Warheads: A Deciding Role for the Cysteine Protease

Terminal unactivated alkynes are nowadays considered the golden standard for cysteine-reactive warheads in activity-based probes (ABPs) targeting cysteine deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). In this work, we study the versatility of the thiol-alkyne addition reaction in more depth. Contrary to previous findings with UCHL3, we now show that covalent adduct formation can progress with substituents on the terminal or internal alkyne position. Strikingly, acceptance of alkyne substituents is strictly DUB-specific as this is not conserved among members of the same subfamily. Covalent adduct formation with the catalytic cysteine residue was validated by gel analysis and mass spectrometry of intact ABP-treated USP16CDWT and catalytically inactive mutant USP16CDC205A. Bottom-up mass spectrometric analysis of the covalent adduct with a deuterated propargyl ABP provides mechanistic understanding of the in situ thiol-alkyne reaction, identifying the alkyne rather than an allenic intermediate as the reactive species. Furthermore, kinetic analysis revealed that introduction of (bulky/electron-donating) methyl substituents on the propargyl moiety decreases the rate of covalent adduct formation, thus providing a rational explanation for the commonly lower level of observed covalent adduct compared to unmodified alkynes. Altogether, our work extends the scope of possible propargyl derivatives in cysteine targeting ABPs from unmodified terminal alkynes to internal and substituted alkynes, which we anticipate will have great value in the development of ABPs with improved selectivity profiles.

Investigating eosin Y as a photocatalyst for the radical-dependent activity-based probing of deubiquitinating enzymes

Eosin Y was assessed for its ability to induce a thiol-ene dependent protein-protein reaction in a metal-free, oxygen-tolerant, visible light mediated system. Protein-protein coupling efficiency under these mild conditions was comparable to previously reported UV-dependent conditions. The desired thiol-ene reaction was however limited within more complex biological systems.