A simple technique has been devised that allows the direct synthesis of native backbone proteins of moderate size. Chemoselective reaction of two unprotected peptide segments gives an initial thioester-linked species. Spontaneous rearrangement of this transient intermediate yields a full-length product with a native peptide bond at the ligation site. The utility of native chemical ligation was demonstrated by the one-step preparation of a cytokine containing multiple disulfides. The polypeptide ligation product was folded and oxidized to form the native disulfide-containing protein molecule. Native chemical ligation is an important step toward the general application of chemistry to proteins.

Key Words chemical protein synthesis, thioester, protein, peptide, solid phase synthesis, polymer-supported synthesis, protein engineering s Abstract In just a few short years, the chemical ligation of unprotected peptide segments in aqueous solution has established itself as the most practical method for the total synthesis of native proteins. A wide range of proteins has been prepared. These synthetic molecules have led to the elucidation of gene function, to the discovery of novel biology, and to the determination of new three-dimensional protein structures by both NMR and X-ray crystallography. The facile access to novel analogs provided by chemical protein synthesis has led to original insights into the molecular basis of protein function in a number of systems. Chemical protein synthesis has also enabled the systematic development of proteins with enhanced potency and specificity as candidate therapeutic agents.

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