Synthesis and Application of Activity-Based Probes for Proteases

The detection, visualization, and identification of active proteases can be facilitated by activity-based probes, which covalently bind to a catalytic residue of the target protease. The synthesis of activity-based probes can be challenging. We here outline a simple protocol for probe synthesis based on standard solid phase peptide synthesis followed by capping of the N-terminus with a reactive electrophile as a warhead. The applicability of the probes is illustrated by labeling cysteine proteases in cell and tissue lysates with Western blotting or fluorescence scanning as a readout.