CARRIER-LIGAND FUSIONS AND USES THEREOF

摘要

Improved methods for purification, detection or characterization of molecules have been described in embodiments of the present invention. The improved methods rely on the ability to create a carrier reagent which is capable of (i) binding to a matrix either specifically or non-specifically; and (ii) forming a covalent linkage with any ligand having a nucleophilic group or a thioester as a result of a simple reaction which does not require a variety of chemical reagents or sophisticated chemistry. The covalent linkage between the carrier and the ligand relies on the chemical reaction between a thioester and a nucleophilic group. The carrier should either contain a reactive thioester which if it is a protein should be at the C-terminal end of the protein or a reactive nucleophilic group which if it is a protein should be at the N-terminal end and should preferably be a cysteine or selenocysteine. The ligand requires a reactive nucleophilic group to react with the thioester on the carrier or if the carrier has a reactive nucleophilic group, the ligand should have a reactive thioester.