INTRO SENTENCE:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a simple approach to modify polypeptides and proteins.
BACKGROUND:
Functionalized polypeptides and proteins are useful as drug delivery vehicles, bioconjugates and novel ligands. However, synthesis of complex polypeptides with defined post-polymerization modifications is a challenging task as reactive side chains are unstable and selectivity in modification is challenging. Additionally, current methods are costly and may be incompatible with other functional groups on polypeptides. There exists a need for improved, efficient, general methods of introducing a wide range of functional groups onto polypeptides.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have developed a new method for adding different functional groups on polypeptides. Their approach is a simple one step addition of a wide range of functional modifications generating novel polypeptides. Their method utilizes stable linkage of thioether groups on natural methionine residues by epoxides in mild conditions using wet protic media. The process is highly selective, efficient and yields of > 97% for conjugations were obtained. This new approach offers a cost-effective method for synthesizing functionalized polypeptides.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
• Synthesis of novel peptides and proteins.
• Modification of methionine residues on polypeptides for addition of functional groups.
• Generation of novel chemicals for medical applications.
ADVANTAGES:
• Simple one-step modification method
• Strategy can be easily applied for modification of thioether groups
• High yields of > 97% for modifications
• Economical approach to produce functional polypeptides
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
The current approach has been tested for modification of methionines with a wide range of functional groups and tested extensively for stability.