N/C Terminal Sequencing

N-terminus (amino terminus) and C-terminus (carboxyl terminus) refer to the two ends of a protein or peptide chain. The N-terminus, containing a free amino group (-NH₂), marks the starting point of the amino acid sequence, while the C-terminus, with a free carboxyl group (-COOH), represents the end. These terminal sequences can include signal peptides, localization sequences, or functional domains that guide protein folding, localization, and function. Modifications such as N-terminal formylation or acetylation, and C-terminal amidation or glycosylation, can significantly influence protein stability, activity, and lifespan. Understanding N/C-terminal sequences is crucial for elucidating protein structure and function mechanisms. Sequencing these termini ensures the purity and consistency of biopharmaceutical products, identifies and eliminates impurities and variants, verifies primary structures, and supports drug development and optimization by clarifying protein functions.

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

N/C-terminal sequencing is vital for drug development and quality control in biopharmaceuticals. By employing high-precision and high-sensitivity sequencing techniques, detailed structural and modification information can be obtained, facilitating the optimization of drug design and production processes. MtoZ Biolabs offers comprehensive N/C-terminal sequencing services to meet diverse research needs and expedite experimental progress.

 

1. N-terminal Sequencing

Edman Degradation: This classic method sequentially removes and identifies N-terminal amino acids.

 

Mass Spectrometry (MS): Combines protein digestion and fragment analysis to determine sequences.

 

2. C-terminal Sequencing

Enzyme Digestion: Uses C-terminal specific enzymes, like carboxypeptidases, to cleave terminal amino acids.

 

Mass Spectrometry (MS): Applies protein digestion and fragment analysis for sequencing.

 



Nakajima, C. et al. Analyst. 2011.

Figure 1. N-terminal De Novo Sequencing of Nᵅ-blocked Proteins

 

Service Advantages

High Precision: Delivers accurate N/C-terminal sequence data, aiding in the study of protein structure and function.

 

High Sensitivity: Detects target sequences in low-abundance proteins and complex mixtures.

 

Versatility: Integrates multiple methods to provide comprehensive N/C-terminal information.

 

Applications

New Drug Development: Identifies and verifies target protein sequences.

 

Biosimilars: Ensures structural consistency with original drugs.

 

Protein Engineering: Optimizes protein structures for enhanced stability, activity, and specificity.

 

Quality Control: Maintains product consistency and purity.

 

Deliverables

1. Experimental Procedures

2. Relevant Mass Spectrometry Parameters

3. Detailed Information on N/C-terminal Sequence

4. Mass Spectrometry Images

5. Raw Data