Chalcogen-containing Protein and Nucleic Acid Derivatives – Synthesis and Applications

Abstract

Chalcogen analogues, which are synthetic derivatives of natural proteins or nucleic acids with a substitution of sulfur (S), selenium (Se), or tellurium (Te) at any specific positions, show unique biological activities different from the original biomolecules, thus stimulating interest of researchers and anticipating various applications. In this chapter, after briefly providing an overview of chalcogen-containing natural proteins and nucleic acids, recent advances in the chemical synthesis as well as the assessments of unique biological properties of chalcogen analogues are summarized, giving some notable examples.