Site-Specific Modification of Proteins via Trypsiligase

Abstract

Site-specific incorporation of artificial functionalities into protein targets is an important tool in both basic and applied research and can be a major challenge to protein chemists. Chemical labeling methods often targeting multiple positions within a protein and therefore suffer from lack of specificity. Enzymatic protein modification is an attractive alternative due to the inherent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of enzymes. In this contribution we describe the application of the highly specific trypsin variant named trypsiligase for the site-specific modification of virtual any target protein. We present two general routes of modification resulting in either N- or C-terminal functionalized protein products. Both reaction regimes proceed under mild and bioorthogonal conditions in a short period of time which result in homogeneously modified proteins bearing the artificial functionality exclusively at the desired position. We detail protocols for the expression and purification of trypsiligase as well as the construction of peptide or acyl donor ester probes used as substrates for the biocatalyst. In addition, we provide instructions how to perform the ultimate bioconjugation reactions and finally render assistance for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the reaction course and outcome.