Metal-Mediated Functionalization of Natural Peptides and Proteins: Panning for Bioconjugation Gold

Abstract

Selective modification of natural proteins is a daunting methodological challenge and a stringent test of selectivity and reaction scope. There is a continued need for new reactivity and new selectivity concepts. Transition metals exhibit a wealth of unique reactivity that is orthogonal to biological reactions and processes. As such, metal-based methods play an increasingly important role in bioconjugation. This Review examines metal-based methods as well as their reactivity and selectivity for the functionalization of natural proteins and peptides.

Keywords: bioinorganic chemistry; metalation; peptides; protein modification; transition metals.