Greener labeling tool marks step forward in protein chemistry

A new, easy-to-use method to modify and label proteins quickly, precisely and at low cost has been developed by chemists at The Australian National University (ANU).

The study has been published in the journal Chem.

Protein labeling is the process of attaching markers to the proteins so they can be observed under a microscope. It’s an important tool that allows scientists to better record how proteins interact with other parts of the cell.

Dr. Elwy Abdelkader from ANU said his team’s work represents a big step forward in the field, as currently available methods often rely on expensive chemicals and complex procedures, limiting their broader use.

“Using a method called genetic code expansion, we found a way to use cheap, readily available chemicals to program bacteria to make proteins with a special type of amino acid,” Dr. Abdelkader said.

“We can ensure these amino acids are placed precisely where we want them in the protein, allowing us to ‘tag’ the protein so we can more easily see it under the microscope and track it within living cells.

“We tag the protein using a ‘turn-on’ fluorescence strategy, allowing rapid, clean generation of fluorescent markers exactly at the site where they are needed.”

This could allow scientists to better screen new drugs and improve diagnostics, among other applications.

It’s also a more environmentally friendly approach.

“Because we’re relying on bacteria, we don’t generate new chemical waste, and the process is more sustainable since toxic catalysts are avoided throughout,” Dr. Abdelkader said.