rac (Bromoacetamidophenylmethyl)ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (CAS 84256-91-7)

Rac (Bromoacetamidophenylmethyl)ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid, often abbreviated as BAM-EDTA, is a chemical derivative of the widely used chelating agent EDTA, designed to enhance its functionality in biochemical research. The inclusion of a bromoacetamidophenylmethyl group in its structure allows it to covalently attach to specific protein residues, particularly cysteine thiol groups, under certain conditions. This modification provides a unique capability: the molecule not only binds divalent metal ions through its EDTA moiety but can also form a covalent bond with proteins, thereby anchoring itself to specific sites within a protein structure. This dual functionality is particularly useful in studies aiming to investigate metalloproteins—proteins that require metal ions for their biological activity. By binding to the metal ion active sites and concurrently anchoring to the protein backbone, BAM-EDTA facilitates detailed studies of protein-metal interactions and the roles these metals play in protein function. Moreover, it is employed in structural biology to stabilize specific protein conformations or to block metal-binding sites, thus preventing unwanted metal-induced activities during experiments. Researchers also utilize BAM-EDTA in the design of novel biochemical assays that explore the dynamics of metal ion exchange in biological systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of metal homeostasis in cellular contexts.