Peptide cyclization catalyzed by cyanobactin macrocyclases

Abstract

Cyclic peptides are an emerging class of therapeutics that can modulate targets not amenable to traditional small molecule intervention (e.g., protein–protein interactions). However, N-to-C macrocyclization of peptides is a challenging and often a low yielding chemical transformation. Several macrocyclases from cyanobactin biosynthetic clusters have been used to catalyze this reaction. This chapter provides practical guidance to the processes of heterologous expression and purification of these enzymes as well as performing in vitro biochemical reactions. Finally, approaches to recover the final product from an enzymatic reaction mixture are also discussed.