General dual functionalisation of biomacromolecules via a cysteine bridging strategy

Org Biomol Chem. 2020 Jun 10;18(22):4224-4230. doi: 10.1039/d0ob00907e.

Abstract

Site-selective modification of peptides and proteins has resulted in the development of a host of novel tools for the study of cellular systems or the synthesis of enhanced biotherapeutics. There is a need for useful methodologies that enable site-selective modification of native peptides or proteins, which is even more prevalent when modification of the biomolecule with multiple payloads is desired. Herein, we report the development of a novel dual functional divinylpyrimidine (dfDVP) platform that enables robust and modular modification of peptides, antibody fragments and antibodies. These biomacromolecules could be easily functionalised with a range of functional payloads (e.g. fluorescent dyes, cytotoxic warheads or cell-penetrating tags). Importantly, the dual functionalised peptides and antibodies demonstrated exquisite bioactivity in a range of in vitro cellular assays, showcasing the enhanced utility of these bioactive conjugates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cysteine / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemical synthesis
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances / pharmacology
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pyrimidines / chemical synthesis
  • Pyrimidines / chemistry*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Trastuzumab / pharmacology

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Pyrimidines
  • Cysteine
  • pyrimidine
  • Trastuzumab