Real‐time FRET assay for monitoring detyrosination by TMCP1 and VASH2

Here we describe the development of a highly sensitive FRET-based enzymatic assay to study and monitor the activity of TMCP1 and VASH2. The originality of this assay lies in the use of 3-nitrotyrosine as a quencher, which not only restores fluorescence upon cleavage but also closely mimics the natural tyrosine substrate, ensuring optimal enzyme recognition. The selected fluorogenic substrate, named FS2, exhibited strong quenching efficiency and a high signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for real-time kinetic monitoring of TMCP1 and VASH2 activity. Enzyme kinetics, competition assays, and metal ion dependency studies confirmed the assay's specificity, robustness, and physiological relevance. This optimized assay provides a powerful and reliable tool for the future identification and characterization of inhibitors of α-tubulin detyrosination.