Nα-Boc-Nω,Nω'-bis-Z-L-arginine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester

In order to gain detailed insight into the biochemical behavior of proteins, researchers have developed chemical tools to incorporate new functionality into proteins beyond the canonical 20 amino acids. Important considerations regarding effective chemical modification of proteins include chemoselectivity, near stoichiometric labeling, and reaction conditions that maintain protein stability. Taking these factors into account, we discuss an N-terminal labeling strategy that employs a simple two-step "one-pot" method using N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters. The first step converts a R-NHS ester into a more chemoselective R-thioester. The second step reacts the in situ generated R-thioester with a protein that harbors an N-terminal cysteine to generate a new amide bond. This labeling reaction is selective for the N-terminus with high stoichiometry. Herein, we provide a detailed description of this method and further highlight its utility with a large protein (>100kDa) and labeling with a commonly used cyanine dye.

This protocol describes a general protein-to-protein cross-linking procedure using the water-soluble amine-reactive homobifunctional BS(3) (bis[sulfosuccinimidyl] suberate); however, the protocol can be easily adapted using other cross-linkers of similar properties. BS(3) is composed of two sulfo-NHS ester groups and an 11.4 Å linker. Sulfo-NHS ester groups react with primary amines in slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7.2-8.5) and yield stable amide bonds. The reaction releases N-hydroxysuccinimide (see an application of NHS esters on Labeling a protein with fluorophores using NHS ester derivitization).

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is one of the leading tools in biomedical research. The challenge in its use is the controlled positioning of one of the components of an interaction on a carefully designed surface. Many attempts in interaction analysis fail due to the non-functional or unsuccessful immobilization of a reactant onto the complex matrix of that surface. The most common technique for linking ligands covalently to a hydrophilic solid surface is amine coupling via reactive esters. In this chapter detailed methods and problem discussions will be given to assist in fast decision analysis to optimize immobilization and regeneration. Topics in focus are different coupling techniques for small and large molecules, streptavidin-biotin sandwich immobilization, and optimizing regeneration conditions.