Themed collection RSC Chemical Biology Editors' Choice

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.

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.

With the discovery of PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) twenty years ago, targeted protein degradation (TPD) has changed the landscape of drug development.

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.

Labelling of nucleic acids as biologically important cellular components is a crucial prerequisite for the visualization and understanding of biological processes.

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.

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.

Targeted imaging agent labels activated microglia when delivered into the brain with focused ultrasound and microbubbles – a tool to investigate inflammation in neurological disorders.

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.

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.

In-solution analysis of conformational changes of NRPS adenylation and peptidyl-carrier protein domains under catalytic conditions reveals a new intermediary conformation.

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.

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.

Leveraging interface peptides in PD-L1 for PET imaging of PD-1, providing a new paradigm for radiotracer development.

Investigation of the downstream effects of NMT inhibition identified novel defense mechanism against chemical toxicity in fungal pathogen Z. tritici.

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.