Site-specific dual labeling of proteins by using small orthogonal tags at neutral pH

To expand the utility of proteinaceous FRET biosensors, we have developed a dual-labeling approach based on two small bio-orthogonal tags: pyrroline-carboxy-lysine (Pcl) and the S6 peptide. The lack of cross-reactivity between those tags enables site-specific two-color protein conjugation in a one-pot reaction. Moreover, Pcl/S6 dual-tagged proteins can be produced in both bacterial and mammalian expression systems, as demonstrated for Z domain and IgE-Fc, respectively. Both proteins could be efficiently dual-labeled with FRET-compatible fluorescent dyes at neutral pH. In the case of IgE-Fc, the resulting conjugate enabled the monitoring of IgE binding to its high-affinity receptor FcεRI, which is a key event in allergic disease.