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Reagentless Cleavage of the Peptide Backbone Using Light-Generated Radicals
Published
Author(s)
Barbara J. Jones, Mathew J. Vergne, David M. Bunk, Laurie E. Locascio, M A. Hayes
Abstract
A key step for protein identification and characterization is cleavage into distinct fragments. All current cleavage methods require the addition of reagents, either proteolytic enzymes or chemical agents, and often a second reagent to discontinue cleavage. We have developed a selective cleavage process for peptides and proteins that employs light-generated radicals produced from titanium dioxide. These short-lived radicals can be produced in confined regions and time scales, making this technique highly tunable. By shining light on titanium dioxide, under a variety of conditions and morphologies, in the presence of peptides and proteins in solution, selective cleavage is consistently observed at proline residues.
Jones, B.
, Vergne, M.
, Bunk, D.
, Locascio, L.
and Hayes, M.
(2021),
Reagentless Cleavage of the Peptide Backbone Using Light-Generated Radicals, Science
(Accessed October 21, 2025)