Mechanism of N-Terminal Sequencing

N-terminal sequencing allows scientists to identify the sequence of the N-terminal amino acids in proteins or peptides. The process of N-terminal sequencing involves two primary stages: labeling and sequence analysis, predominantly using the Edman degradation method.

 

Labeling Stage 

Initially, a reagent such as phenylisothiocyanate is applied to the protein sample. This chemical specifically reacts with the N-terminal amino acid, forming a stable derivative that is amenable to further analysis.

 

Sequence Analysis Stage 

This derivative is then methodically removed, one amino acid at a time, through a chemical cleavage process. Each amino acid residue is identified using advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This step is repeated until the entire sequence is decoded or the desired sequence length is achieved.

 

Applications

N-terminal sequencing facilitates the rapid identification of novel proteins, the monitoring of post-translational modifications, and the exploration of protein biological functions. Its applications are instrumental in advancing drug development, diagnosing diseases, and discovering biomarkers.

 

N-terminal sequencing not only enhances our understanding of protein molecular mechanisms but also serves as a powerful tool in biomedical research, fostering advancements across diverse scientific disciplines. MtoZ Biolabs provides integrate N-Terminal sequencing service.