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Leveraging nature’s biomolecular designs in next-generation protein sequencing reagent development

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Abstract

Next-generation approaches for protein sequencing are now emerging that could have the potential to revolutionize the field in proteomics. One such sequencing method involves fluorescence-based imaging of immobilized peptides in which the N-terminal amino acid of a polypeptide is readout sequentially by a series of fluorescently labeled biomolecules. When selectively bound to a specific N-terminal amino acid, the NAAB (N-terminal amino acid binder) affinity reagent identifies the amino acid through its associated fluorescence tag. A key technical challenge in implementing this fluoro-sequencing approach is the need to develop NAAB affinity reagents with the high affinity and selectivity for specific N-terminal amino acids required for this biotechnology application. One approach to develop such a NAAB affinity reagent is to leverage naturally occurring biomolecules that bind amino acids and/or peptides. Here, we describe several candidate biomolecules that could be considered for this purpose and discuss the potential for developability of each.

Key points

• Next-generation sequencing methods are emerging that could revolutionize proteomics.

• Sequential readout of N-terminal amino acids by fluorescent-tagged affinity reagents.

• Native peptide/amino acid binders can be engineered into affinity reagents.

• Protein size and structure contribute to feasibility of reagent developability.

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Funding

This work was supported by a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Innovation in Measurement Science Award.

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JT, JPM, and ZK conceived the idea for the mini-review and wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Zvi Kelman.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Tullman, J., Marino, J.P. & Kelman, Z. Leveraging nature’s biomolecular designs in next-generation protein sequencing reagent development. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 104, 7261–7271 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-020-10745-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-020-10745-2

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