A general and efficient method for the site-specific dual-labeling of proteins for single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer

J Am Chem Soc. 2008 Dec 31;130(52):17664-5. doi: 10.1021/ja807430h.

Abstract

A general strategy for the site-specific dual-labeling of proteins for single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer is presented. A genetically encoded unnatural ketone amino acid was labeled with a hydroxylamine-containing fluorophore with high yield (>95%) and specificity. This methodology was used to construct dual-labeled T4 lysozyme variants, allowing the study of T4 lysozyme folding at single-molecule resolution. The presented strategy is anticipated to expand the scope of single-molecule protein structure and function studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophage T4 / enzymology
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Hydrazines / chemistry
  • Muramidase / chemistry*
  • Muramidase / metabolism
  • Protein Folding
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Alexa 488 hydrazide
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Hydrazines
  • Proteins
  • Muramidase