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Amino acid analysis and protein sequencing
Amino acid analysis
With this service we can help you quantify the amino acid composition and total protein content of any sample containing protein or amino acids. We can accurately quantify all 20 naturally occurring amino acids, as well as some non-standard amino acids in a wide range of sample types. Post-column derivatization analysis is used in this service. We offer two types of analysis:
TOTAL amino acid analysis:
When the amino acid composition of a protein or peptide is of interest, or if the total protein concentration of a sample is required.
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- Quantification of hydroxyproline, cysteine and tryptophan with additional techniques.
- Analyzes the amino acid ratios and the percentage of net content in purified peptides or proteins.
FREE amino acid analysis:
For the analysis of samples such as physiological fluids, including serum or cell growth media, amino acids incorporated into proteins or peptides are not of interest, and it is the concentration of the individual unbound amino acids that is required. For this purpose, proteins and other compounds that could interfere with the analysis are precipitated, leaving only the free amino acids in solution.
N-terminal protein sequencing
This service uses the Edman degradation methodology for the identification and sequencing of peptides and proteins. One of the requirements for this service is that the protein must be N-terminal free without any modification.
- Analysis on different types of samples, including: PVDF blots, as gel sections or proteins/peptides, in solution or dry.
- Possibility of high performance and sensitivity at the picomol level.
- Positive identification of cysteine residues for peptides and proteins supplied in solution or as dry material when required.
- Post-translational modifications such as hydroxyproline, norValine, norLeucine are also easily identified.
More information on the N-terminal sequencing service:
Protein characterization services are commonly used for the following applications:
- Confirm amino acid sequence of proteins, peptides and antibodies.
- Identify protein truncation sites and better understand protein degradation mechanisms.
- Determine the presence and location of post-translational modifications.
- Quality control to confirm the correct translation of a recombinant protein.
- To understand the structure and function of specific proteins, which is essential for drug design and many other applications.
- For the identification of mutations and variants in proteins, which can provide information on disease susceptibility and pathogenesis.
- To ensure the quality and purity of biopharmaceutical products, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins.
- For the study of protein-protein interactions, which are fundamental to understanding many cellular processes.
- As a fundamental tool in proteomics, the large-scale study of proteins and their functions.
- For the identification of biomarkers, which are specific proteins or protein patterns that can indicate the presence of a disease or the response to a treatment.
Cysteine: Cysteine residues require modification to a stable derivative prior to sequencing. Please inform us if you need positive identification of cysteine.
Proline: Where possible, information regarding the position of proline residues is desirable as they can cause read overlaps that interfere with accurate sequencing. We have a protocol to reduce the possibility of overlap and improve sequencing reads.
We cannot provide sequencing for silver or gold stained samples. Widely available and compatible stains include:
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- Ponceau S
- Amido black
- Coomassie, or equivalent
For more information about this service do not hesitate to contact us. Briefly describe the project and we will contact you as soon as we can with more information.
