Tryptophan (Trp) plays a critical role in the regulation of protein structure, interactions and functions through its π system and indole N–H group. A generalizable method for blocking and rescuing Trp interactions would enable the gain-of-function manipulation of various Trp-containing proteins in vivo, but generating such a platform remains challenging. Here we develop a genetically encoded N1-vinyl-caged Trp capable of rapid and bioorthogonal decaging through an optimized inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction, allowing site-specific activation of Trp on a protein of interest in living cells. This chemical activation of a genetically encoded caged-tryptophan (Trp-CAGE) strategy enables precise activation of the Trp of interest underlying diverse important molecular interactions. We demonstrate the utility of Trp-CAGE across various protein families, such as catalase-peroxidases and kinases, as translation initiators and posttranslational modification readers, allowing the modulation of epigenetic signalling in a temporally controlled manner. Coupled with computer-aided prediction, our strategy paves the way for bioorthogonal Trp activation on more than 28,000 candidate proteins within their native cellular settings.

Biomolecule labeling in living systems is crucial for understanding biological processes and discovering therapeutic targets. A variety of labeling warheads have been developed for multiple biological applications, including proteomics, bioimaging, sequencing, and drug development. Quinone methides (QMs), a class of highly reactive Michael receptors, have recently emerged as prominent warheads for on-demand biomolecule labeling. Their highly flexible functionality and tunability allow for diverse biological applications, but remain poorly explored at present. In this regard, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a series of new QM probes with a trifluoromethyl group at the benzyl position and substituents on the aromatic ring to manipulate their chemical properties for biomolecule labeling. The engineered QM warhead efficiently labeled proteins both in vitro and under living cell conditions, with significantly enhanced activity compared to previous QM warheads. We further analyzed the labeling efficacy with the assistance of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which revealed that the QM generation process, rather than the reactivity of QM, contributes more predominantly to the labeling efficacy. Noteworthy, twelve nucleophilic residues on the BSA were labeled by the probe, including Cys, Asp, Glu, His, Lys, Asn, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Trp and Tyr. Given their high efficiency and tunability, these new QM warheads may hold great promise for a broad range of applications, especially spatiotemporal proteomic profiling for in-depth biological studies.

Abstract Spatiotemporal manipulation of biological processes in living animals using noninvasive, remote-controlled stimuli is a captivating but challenging endeavor. Herein, we present the development of a biocompatible photocatalytic technology termed CAT-NIR, which uses external near infrared light (NIR, 740?nm) to trigger decaging reactions in living mice. The Os(II) terpyridine complex was identified as an efficient NIR photocatalyst for promoting deboronative hydroxylation reactions via superoxide generation in the presence of NIR light, resulting in the deprotection of phenol groups and the release of bioactive molecules under living conditions. The validation of the CAT-NIR system was demonstrated through the NIR-triggered rescue of fluorophores, prodrugs as well as biomolecules ranging from amino acids, peptides to proteins. Furthermore, by combining genetic code expansion and computer-aided screening, CAT-NIR could regulate affibody binding to the cell surface receptor HER2, providing a selective cell tagging technology through external NIR light. In particular, the tissue-penetrating ability of NIR light allowed for facile prodrug activation in living mice, enabling noninvasive, remote-controlled rescue of drug molecules. Given its broad adaptability, this CAT-NIR system may open new opportunities for manipulating the functions of bioactive molecules in living animals using external NIR light with spatiotemporal resolution.

Abstract We present a novel and effective photocatalytic method for the methylation of ?-diketones with controllable degrees of deuterium incorporation via development of new methyl sources. By utilizing a methylamine-water system as the methyl precursor and a cascade assembly strategy for deuteration degree control, we synthesized methylated compounds with varying degrees of deuterium incorporation, showcasing the versatility of this approach. We examined a range of ?-diketone substrates and synthesized key intermediates for drug and bioactive compounds with varying degrees of deuterium incorporation, ranging from 0 to 3. We also investigated and discussed the postulated reaction pathway. This work demonstrates the utility of readily available reagents, methylamines and water, as a new methyl source, and provides a simple and efficient strategy for the synthesis of degree-controllable deuterium-labelled compounds.

Summary Spatially resolved in situ tagging of the cell of interest is crucial for in-depth mechanistic dissection of multicellular architectures or processes. With continuing interest in bioorthogonal photocatalytic decaging chemistry, we herein report the extracellular-targeted photocatalytic decaging system (CAT-Ex) for spatially resolved cell tagging and surface proteome profiling under living conditions. An antibody-conjugated photocatalysis system was established and extensively validated, enabling photocatalytic decaging of biotin precursors and proximal quinone methide probes on target cells. Visible-light-controlled selective cell tagging in cell mixture as well as in primary cells from tumor xenografts were demonstrated. Spatially resolved membrane proteome profiling was further achieved by coupling quinone methide decaging chemistry with CAT-Ex, revealing a potential microdomain protein cluster surrounding the endogenous HER2 receptor. Finally, we expanded our strategy to photocatalytic prodrug decaging for selective tumor cell killing, establishing CAT-Ex as a general platform for diverse photo-controlled molecular manipulations on targeted cells with spatial-temporal precision.

Abstract The dynamic interactions between RNAs and proteins play crucial roles in regulating diverse cellular processes. Proteome-wide characterization of these interactions in their native cellular context remains desirable but challenging. Herein, we developed a photocatalytic crosslinking (PhotoCAX) strategy coupled with mass spectrometry (PhotoCAX-MS) and RNA sequencing (PhotoCAX-seq) for the study of the composition and dynamics of protein-RNA interactions. By integrating the blue light-triggered photocatalyst with a dual-functional RNA?protein crosslinker (RP-linker) and the phase separation-based enrichment strategy, PhotoCAX-MS revealed a total of 2044 RBPs in human HEK293 cells. We further employed PhotoCAX to investigate the dynamic change of RBPome in macrophage cells upon LPS-stimulation, as well as the identification of RBPs interacting directly with the 5? untranslated regions of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

The controlled synthesis of calcium carbonate particles surface-functionalized with azido groups and its subsequent copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions with organocatalysts bearing alkyne anchors allowed the preparation of novel catalytic materials. A calcium carbonate-supported α,α-diarylprolinol silyl ether prepared in this manner catalyzes Michael addition of aldehydes to trans-β-nitrostyrenes with very high diastereo- and enantioselectivity. The immobilized catalyst can be recovered by simple decantation and reused. In addition, this heterogeneous catalytic system can also be adapted to continuous-flow operation, affording a five-fold productivity increase in comparison with the batch process.

<p id="p00005">Bioorthogonal chemistry refers to chemical reactions that can be carried out in biological systems without interfering with natural biochemical processes. During the past two decades since its emergence, the scope of bioorthogonal chemistry has been greatly expanded from ligation to cleavage reactions, with broad applications ranging from live cells to animals for biological studies, medical as well as pharmaceutical research. Chinese chemical biologists have actively participated in this exciting area, and a series of important work has been carried out with notable achievements. In particular, the creation and development of bioorthogonal cleavage reactions and its diverse applications have drawn considerable attentions. In this review, we summarize the representative work on bioorthogonal chemistry that been developed in China in recent five years. These works will be categorized into metal-, photo- and small molecule-mediated bioorthogonal ligation as well as cleavage reactions, respectively. In the end, we will discuss the future development along this exciting avenue and the further innovation of the &#x0201c;remote-control bioorthogonal chemistry&#x0201d;, which may eventually drive the bioorthogonal reactions into living animals or even human being.</p>

A catalytic system to synthesize α-amino amides from isocyanates and ketimines has been developed using visible light iridium photoredox catalysis via umpolung reactivity of ketimines. Cross-couplings between diverse ketimine and isocyanate substrates have been evaluated, affording the desired α-amino amide products in good yields. In addition, a metal-free catalytic system using perylene and N,N-diisopropylethylamine has been developed. Finally, single-step synthesis of the psychoactive drug benzodiazepine-2-one analogue from one of the coupling products has been achieved, indicating the great application potential of the synthetic method developed herein.

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) restrict the maximum doses applicable in chemotherapy, which leads to failure in cancer treatment. Various approaches, including nano-drug and prodrug strategies aimed at reducing ADRs, have been developed, but these strategies have their own pitfalls. A renovated strategy for ADR reduction is urgently needed. Here, we employ an enzymatic supramolecular self-assembly process to accumulate a bioorthogonal decaging reaction trigger inside targeted cancer cells, enabling spatiotemporally controlled, synergistic prodrug activation. The bioorthogonally activated prodrug exhibits significantly enhanced potency against cancer cells compared with normal cells. This prodrug activation strategy further demonstrates high tumour inhibition efficacy with satisfactory biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, and safety in vivo. We envision that integration of enzymatic and bioorthogonal reactions will serve as a general small-molecule-based strategy for alleviation of ADRs in chemotherapy.

Light-mediated transformations with CO2 have recently attracted great attention, with the focus on CO2 incorporation into C–C double and triple bonds, organohalides and amines. Herein is demonstrated visible light -mediated umpolung imine reactivity capable of engaging CO2 to afford α-amino acid derivatives. By employing benzophenone ketimine derivatives, CO2 fixation by hydrocarboxylation of C=N double bonds is achieved. Good to excellent yields of a broad range of α,α–disubstituted α-amino acid derivatives are obtained under mild conditions (rt, atmospheric pressure of CO2, visible light). A procedure that avoids tedious chromatographic purification and uses sustainable sunlight is developed to highlight the simplicity of this method.