ortho-Methoxyphenols as Convenient Oxidative Bioconjugation Reagents with Application to Site-Selective Heterobifunctional Cross-Linkers

J Am Chem Soc. 2017 Mar 15;139(10):3767-3773. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b12966. Epub 2017 Mar 2.

Abstract

The synthesis of complex protein-based bioconjugates has been facilitated greatly by recent developments in chemoselective methods for biomolecular modification. The oxidative coupling of o-aminophenols or catechols with aniline functional groups is chemoselective, mild, and rapid; however, the oxidatively sensitive nature of the electron-rich aromatics and the paucity of commercial sources pose some obstacles to the general use of these reactive strategies. Herein, we identify o-methoxyphenols as air-stable, commercially available derivatives that undergo efficient oxidative couplings with anilines in the presence of periodate as oxidant. Mechanistic considerations informed the development of a preoxidation protocol that can greatly reduce the amount of periodate necessary for effective coupling. The stability and versatility of these reagents was demonstrated through the synthesis of complex protein-protein bioconjugates using a site-selective heterobifunctional cross-linker comprising both o-methoxyphenol and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde moieties. This compound was used to link epidermal growth factor to genome-free MS2 viral capsids, affording nanoscale delivery vectors that can target a variety of cancer cell types.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aminophenols / chemistry*
  • Aniline Compounds / chemistry
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemical synthesis
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Aminophenols
  • Aniline Compounds
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • 2-aminophenol