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Chemical Modification of Proteins at Cysteine: Opportunities in Chemistry and Biology
Author(s) -
Chalker Justin M.,
Bernardes Gonçalo J. L.,
Lin Yuya A.,
Davis Benjamin G.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
chemistry – an asian journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1861-471X
pISSN - 1861-4728
DOI - 10.1002/asia.200800427
Subject(s) - cysteine , chemical biology , chemical modification , posttranslational modification , function (biology) , biochemistry , chemistry , cysteine metabolism , protein function , computational biology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , enzyme , gene
Cys‐tematic modification : Cysteine is a versatile amino acid for selective chemical modification of proteins. Both chemical and biological innovations made possible by cysteine modification are highlighted in this Focus Review.Chemical modification of proteins is a rapidly expanding area in chemical biology. Selective installation of biochemical probes has led to a better understanding of natural protein modification and macromolecular function. In other cases such chemical alterations have changed the protein function entirely. Additionally, tethering therapeutic cargo to proteins has proven invaluable in campaigns against disease. For controlled, selective access to such modified proteins, a unique chemical handle is required. Cysteine, with its unique reactivity, has long been used for such modifications. Cysteine has enjoyed widespread use in selective protein modification, yet new applications and even new reactions continue to emerge. This Focus Review highlights the enduring utility of cysteine in protein modification with special focus on recent innovations in chemistry and biology associated with such modifications.