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Chemical modification of proteins: comments and perspectives
International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Chemical modification of proteins is a vital tool in protein chemistry, offering unique applications not achievable through in vitro mutagenesis alone. This technique provides essential information and products for various scientific and pharmaceutical uses.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Protein Chemistry
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- The application of chemical modification techniques in protein science has seen substantial growth over the last twenty years.
- These methods are integral to understanding protein structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diverse applications and continued importance of chemical protein modification.
- To emphasize its complementary role alongside newer techniques like in vitro mutagenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging applications of chemical protein modification.
- Comparative analysis of chemical modification versus in vitro mutagenesis.
Main Results:
- Chemical modification enables the determination of side chain reactivities and amino acid quantitation.
- It is crucial for developing affinity and mechanism-based reagents, cross-linking agents, and bioprosthetic techniques.
- It also serves as a blocking reagent in peptide synthesis and for specific peptide bond cleavages.
Conclusions:
- Chemical modification remains a primary and indispensable tool in protein chemistry.
- It provides unique insights and products that complement or surpass those obtained through in vitro mutagenesis.