Imaging and manipulating proteins in live cells through covalent labeling

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Over the past 20 years, significant advancements in technologies for specific and covalent protein labeling in cellulo and in vivo have emerged.
• These innovations include self-labeling protein tags and the incorporation of non-natural amino acids, shifting the focus from *how* to label to *what* functionality to add.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the opportunities and challenges in protein labeling technologies.
• To highlight the synergy between synthetic chemistry and protein engineering for advanced biological experiments.
• To focus on applications in live-cell imaging and the creation of reversible protein switches.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing advanced synthetic probes for protein labeling.
• Leveraging progress in super-resolution microscopy and genome editing.
• Applying a combination of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering techniques.

Main Results:

• Development of technologies for specific and covalent protein labeling in biological systems.
• Enabling novel applications such as live-cell imaging and reversible protein switches.
• Overcoming limitations of conventional experimental approaches through interdisciplinary synergy.

Conclusions:

• The field of protein labeling has matured, offering diverse functionalities beyond simple detection.
• The integration of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering is crucial for future breakthroughs.
• Advanced protein labeling techniques open doors to previously infeasible biological experiments.