Themed collection Analytical methods in chemical biology
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Faster, better, and cheaper: harnessing microfluidics and mass spectrometry for biotechnology
The integration of mass spectrometry with microfluidics has the potential to create high-throughput, sensitivity, and specificity assays.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1331-1351
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00112D
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A decade of alkyne-tag Raman imaging (ATRI): applications in biological systems
Alkyne functional groups have unique stretching frequency in the cell silent region. This review discusses the application of alkyne tags for Raman imaging in biological samples.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1415-1429
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00116G
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Imaging therapeutic peptide transport across intestinal barriers
Understanding how pharmaceutical peptides transport across the intestinal barrier could increase their bio-availability. To this end, fluorescence imaging offers a unique combination of spatiotemporal resolution and compatibility with living systems.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1115-1143
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00024A
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Recent developments and applications of quantitative proteomics strategies for high-throughput biomolecular analyses in cancer research
Various quantitative strategies can be utilized in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic investigations. Here we explore recent applications of quantitative MS-based strategies and the resulting advances in the areas of prostate, pancreatic, breast and ovarian cancer research.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1050-1072
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00039J
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Strategies to promote permeation and vectorization, and reduce cytotoxicity of metal complex luminophores for bioimaging and intracellular sensing
Metal complex luminophores have emerged as effective cell imaging contrast agents over the past decade. Here we review strategies employed to promote their cell permeability and sub-cellular targeting, critical challenges in imaging applications.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1021-1049
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00049G
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Optical chemosensors for the detection of proximally phosphorylated peptides and proteins
This review details optical detection methods for proximal multi-site phosphorylation, a critical post-translational modification in protein biology.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 815-829
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00055A
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Fluorescent proteins of the EosFP clade: intriguing marker tools with multiple photoactivation modes for advanced microscopy
In this review, we discuss structural and photophysical properties of photoactivatable EosFP and its engineered descendants and present a variety of applications in conventional and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 796-814
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00014D
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Recent development of near-infrared photoacoustic probes based on small-molecule organic dye
In this review, we discuss the recent development of near-infrared photoacoustic probes based on small molecule dyes, which focus on their “always on” and “activatable” form in biomedicine.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 743-758
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00225A
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Nanobodies as in vivo, non-invasive, imaging agents
In vivo imaging has become in recent years an incredible tool to study biological events and has found critical applications in diagnostic medicine.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 685-701
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00023C
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Advances in single-cell multi-omics profiling
Single-cell multi-omics profiling methods are developed to dissect heterogeneity of cell populations.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 441-449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00163E
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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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A silicon-rhodamine chemical-genetic hybrid for far red voltage imaging from defined neurons in brain slice
Small-molecule enzyme hybrids pair a far-red voltage-sensitive fluorophore with a cell-surface expressed HaloTag enzyme via a flexible linker to enable voltage imaging from genetically defined neurons in culture and brain slice.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1594-1599
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00156F
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Squaric acid as a new chemoselective moiety for mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis of amines
First application of squaric acids with excellent stability and chemoselective reactivity in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis of amine-containing metabolites.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1479-1483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00132A
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Environment and coordination of FeMo–co in the nitrogenase metallochaperone NafY
Broadening of NMR resonance spins used to map binding of paramagnetic FeMo–co to the nitrogenase metallocluster escort protein NafY.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1462-1465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00086A
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One-pot fluorescent assay for sensitive detection of APOBEC3A activity
A one-pot fluorescence-based assay to quantitively detect APOBEC3A activity was developed.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1201-1205
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00076D
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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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Cellular internalization mechanism of novel Raman probes designed for plant cells
Diphenyl acetylene derivatives containing various polymeric components have been designed as new Raman imaging probes. These are taken up by plant cells via different pathways, and the internalization of exogenous molecules can be visualized.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 204-208
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00128G
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Tranylcypromine specificity for monoamine oxidase is limited by promiscuous protein labelling and lysosomal trapping
Chemical proteomics and cellular imaging reveal lysosomal trapping of tranylcypromine which can be largely reverted by the addition of lysosomotropic drugs.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 209-213
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00048E
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Dynamic visualization of type II peptidyl carrier protein recognition in pyoluteorin biosynthesis
The interface interactions of a type II peptidyl carrier protein and partner enzyme are observed to be unique and dynamic.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 8-12
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9CB00015A
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Ru(II)/BODIPY core co-encapsulated ratiometric nanotools for intracellular O2 sensing in live cancer cells
Uptake and quantitative ratiometric oxygen sensing response of core–shell nanoparticles containing ruthenium probe and BODIPY reference is demonstrated using a plate reader-based assay and by confocal xyλ scanning of live cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1520-1533
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00102G
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Versatile naphthalimide tetrazines for fluorogenic bioorthogonal labelling
New naphthalimide tetrazine probes permit fluorescent imaging of biomolecules in vitro and in living cells. They can be modified to provide previously unknown information about health and disease in biological systems.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1491-1498
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00128K
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Orthogonal coiled coils enable rapid covalent labelling of two distinct membrane proteins with peptide nucleic acid barcodes
A pair of orthogonal coiled coils templates highly specific live cell bioconjugation of two different proteins. PNA tagging and hybridisation with fluorophore–DNA reporters enables rapid dual receptor internalisation analysis of EGFR and ErbB2.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 1291-1295
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CB00126D
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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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Optogenetic modulation of real-time nanoscale dynamics of HCN channels using photoactivated adenylyl cyclases
Modulation of real-time reversible nanoscale distribution of HCN2 channels using optogenetic activation of cAMP in live cells.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 863-875
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00124D
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Fluorescence lifetime predicts performance of voltage sensitive fluorophores in cardiomyocytes and neurons
Voltage imaging with fluorescent indicators offers a powerful complement to traditional electrode or Ca2+-imaging approaches for monitoring electrical activity.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021,2, 248-258
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00152J
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Fluorescent macrolide probes – synthesis and use in evaluation of bacterial resistance
Macrolide fluorescent probes illuminate the interactions between antibiotics and bacteria, providing new insight into mechanisms of resistance.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 395-404
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00118J
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Combining bacteriophage engineering and linear dichroism spectroscopy to produce a DNA hybridisation assay
A novel DNA sensing method based on LD spectroscopy and using bionanoparticle scaffolds is described, as demonstrated by the rapid detection of DNA strands associated with bacterial and viral pathogens.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 449-454
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00135J
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Biological evaluation of native streptococcal competence stimulating peptides reveals potential crosstalk between Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus pneumoniae and a new scaffold for the development of S. pneumoniae quorum sensing modulators
Crosstalk between the Streptococcus mitis competence stimulating peptide (CSP) and the Streptococcus pneumoniae competence regulon quorum sensing circuitry was identified.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2020,1, 60-67
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00012D
About this collection
This collection seeks to highlight important advancements in fields such as imaging, spectroscopy, sensing and omics. Analytical methods developed and utilized by chemical biologists encompass a wide range of techniques, including Raman probes for exploring uptake into plant cells, nanobodies for non-invasive imaging, single-cell multi-omics, single-molecule fluorescent sensors and much more.
This collection intends to highlight the importance of multidisciplinary research at the chemistry-biology interface. Much of this exciting and ground-breaking research on the development and applications of analytical tools is collated here for you to explore.
New articles on the topic will be added periodically.