Emerging chemistries in proximity labeling

Abstract

Proximity labeling (PL) has transformed the study of biomolecular interactions by enabling the covalent tagging of molecules near a protein of interest in living cells. This review outlines recent advances in PL chemistries over the recent years, focusing on novel enzyme-based and photocatalytic approaches. These emerging tools overcome limitations of traditional methods, enabling precise mapping of cellular interactomes across diverse biological contexts. We discuss their mechanisms, various applications, and the associated trade-offs regarding specificity and applicability, underscoring their potential to enhance the study of biomolecular networks.