Proteins through the eyes of an organic chemist

Over the past few decades, the advancements in the field of chemical protein synthesis have enabled researchers from both chemistry and biology to address a wide range of biological questions. Utilizing the available chemical toolbox for synthesizing proteins, unique modifications can be introduced to the proteins, which are extremely difficult or impossible to achieve via the current molecular biology methods. We discuss the challenges in chemical protein synthesis and the ways to overcome them. We provide key chemoselective ligation methods and strategies for successful protein synthesis, along with examples of the added value of protein synthesis to advance our understanding of the function of proteins.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The advancements in chemical protein synthesis have enabled researchers to address biological questions using unique modifications that are difficult or impossible to achieve through current molecular biology methods.