Themed collection RSC Chemical Biology Editors' Choice
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Cell-free riboswitches
Synthetic riboswitches can be used as chemical gene switches in cell-free protein synthesis systems. We provide a current perspective on the state of cell-free riboswitch technologies and their future directions.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1430-1440
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00138H
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Interfacing non-enzymatic catalysis with living microorganisms
This review highlights recent advances in the field of biocompatible chemistry. It focusses on the combined use of non-enzymatic catalysis and microbial metabolism to support cellular function and to synthesise high value chemicals.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1073-1083
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00072A
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Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) come of age: entering the third decade of targeted protein degradation
With the discovery of PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) twenty years ago, targeted protein degradation (TPD) has changed the landscape of drug development.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 725-742
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00011J
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Biosynthesis of alkyne-containing natural products
This review comprehensive discusses the progress in the biosynthesis of alkyne-containing natural products and introduces de novo biosynthesis for in situ generating alkyne-tagged products.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 166-180
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00190B
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Labelling of DNA and RNA in the cellular environment by means of bioorthogonal cycloaddition chemistry
Labelling of nucleic acids as biologically important cellular components is a crucial prerequisite for the visualization and understanding of biological processes.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 86-97
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00047G
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Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) as a novel ADC target
LRG1 is present abundantly in the microenvironment of many tumours. LRG1 targeting through the reported non-internalising ADC presents a novel and effective proof-of-concept en route to improving the efficacy of cancer therapeutics.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1206-1220
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00104C
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An activity-based fluorescent sensor for the detection of the phenol sulfotransferase SULT1A1 in living cells
Here, we report the development, computational modeling, in vitro enzymology, and biological application of an activity-based fluorescent sensor for the human phenol sulfotransferase SULT1A1.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 830-834
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00231C
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In vivo delivery of a fluorescent FPR2/ALX-targeted probe using focused ultrasound and microbubbles to image activated microglia
Targeted imaging agent labels activated microglia when delivered into the brain with focused ultrasound and microbubbles – a tool to investigate inflammation in neurological disorders.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 385-389
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00140F
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Click-based amplification: designed to facilitate various target labelling modes with ultralow background amplification
We describe a signal amplification method termed “Click-based amplification” that can be well integrated with various click-labelling modes, including chemical labelling, genetic incorporation and covalent inhibitor probe mediated target labelling.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 906-916
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00002K
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Synthesis and application of a 19F-labeled fluorescent nucleoside as a dual-mode probe for i-motif DNAs
We report on the first bifunctional cytidine-based probe (FPdC) that displays high quantum yield and sensitive 19F NMR signal. FPdC was used to investigate a noncanonical DNA structure, and displayed significant response to i-motif formation.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 876-882
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00020A
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Intermediary conformations linked to the directionality of the aminoacylation pathway of nonribosomal peptide synthetases
In-solution analysis of conformational changes of NRPS adenylation and peptidyl-carrier protein domains under catalytic conditions reveals a new intermediary conformation.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 843-854
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00220H
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Finding and characterizing a catalytic antibody light chain, H34, capable of degrading the PD-1 molecule
Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint regulating T-cell function. A catalytic antibody light chain, H34, could enzymatically degrade the PD-1 molecule. In addition, it inhibited the binding of PD-1 with PD-L1.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 220-229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00155D
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A live-cell assay for the detection of pre-microRNA–protein interactions
Leveraging bioorthogonal chemistry- and split-luciferase assay technologies, we have devised a new assay for the live-cell detection of RNA–protein interactions, RNA interaction with Protein-mediated Complementation Assay or RiPCA.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 241-247
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00055H
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Harnessing the PD-L1 interface peptide for positron emission tomography imaging of the PD-1 immune checkpoint
Leveraging interface peptides in PD-L1 for PET imaging of PD-1, providing a new paradigm for radiotracer development.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 214-224
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00070A
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Wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors: on-target antifungal activity and an unusual metabolic defense mechanism
Investigation of the downstream effects of NMT inhibition identified novel defense mechanism against chemical toxicity in fungal pathogen Z. tritici.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 68-78
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00020E
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Macrocyclic peptides that inhibit Wnt signalling via interaction with Wnt3a
Discovery and optimization of de novo macrocyclic peptide binders of Wnt3a through RaPID screening against an afamin-stabilized Wnt3a complex, capable of inhibiting Wnt signalling by direct interaction to the Wnt protein.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 26-34
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00016G
About this collection
This collection celebrates the very best work published in RSC Chemical Biology, including articles personally chosen by our world-renowned editorial team. New selections will be added on a monthly basis.
You can read the thoughts of our Editorial Board on each of their selected articles here.