A precision methodology distinguishes one His from all the nucleophilic residues and its multiple copies.

This work outlines the first phthalimidation protocol suitable for protein labeling and performed in aqueous media at room temperature and neutral pH with no catalyst or co-reagent required. The methodology is suitable for a range of amines and its efficiency was determined with chemoselective and site-selective protein labeling.

The maintenance of machinery requires its operational understanding and a toolbox for repair. The methods for the precision engineering of native proteins meet a similar requirement in biosystems. Its success hinges on the principles regulating chemical reactions with a protein. Here, we report a technology that delivers high-level control over reactivity, chemoselectivity, site-selectivity, modularity, dual-probe installation, and protein-selectivity. It utilizes cysteine-based chemoselective Linchpin-Directed site-selective Modification of lysine residue in a protein (LDMC-K). The efficiency of the end-user-friendly protocol is evident in quantitative conversions within an hour. A chemically orthogonal C-S bond-formation and bond-dissociation are essential among multiple regulatory attributes. The method offers protein selectivity by targeting a single lysine residue of a single protein in a complex biomolecular mixture. The protocol renders analytically pure single-site probe-engineered protein bioconjugate. Also, it provides access to homogeneous antibody conjugates (AFC and ADC). The LDMC-K-ADC exhibits highly selective anti-proliferative activity towards breast cancer cells.

Self-assembled states of proteins render efficient promiscuous nucleophilic biocatalysis in MBH reaction in a green process.