Chemical Modification of Proteins at Cysteine: Opportunities in Chemistry and Biology

Abstract 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. magnified image 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…

• EA
  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

  Awards: EP/E000614/1, EP/G026688/1
• BA
  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Award: BB/E004350/1