Oxidative cyclization reagents reveal tryptophan cation-pi interactions. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38448587/)

These scientists found a new way to attach special molecules to a rare amino acid called tryptophan in proteins. They used a method called redox-based strategy with oxaziridine reagents that act like a cyclization reaction in nature. This method, called Trp-CLiC, is very efficient and specific for labeling tryptophan. They were able to attach different molecules to tryptophan in proteins quickly and accurately. By doing this, they discovered specific spots on proteins where tryptophan interacts with other molecules, which can help understand how proteins work in our bodies.

Xie X., Moon PJ., Crossley SWM., Bischoff AJ., He D., Li G., Dao N., Gonzalez-Valero A., Reeves AG., McKenna JM., Elledge SK., Wells JA., Toste FD., Chang CJ. Oxidative cyclization reagents reveal tryptophan cation-pi interactions. Nature. 2024 Mar 6. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07140-6.