Protein Sequencing: A Key Method for Analyzing Protein Structure and Function

Proteins are indispensable molecules in life activities, and the analysis of their structure and function is of great importance for revealing biological processes and disease mechanisms. Protein sequencing, as a key method to decipher protein structure and function, plays an indispensable role.

 

The structure of a protein determines its function, while the sequence of a protein is the basis of its structure. The goal of protein sequencing is to determine the order of amino acids in protein molecules, i.e., the sequence of the protein. Through sequencing technology, we can determine the amino acids in proteins one by one, thus revealing the sequence information of proteins. This information is crucial for understanding the structure and function of proteins, providing a foundation for further study and application of proteins.

 

Sanger Sequencing Technology

Sanger sequencing technology is one of the earliest and most commonly used methods in protein sequencing. This technology is based on the principle of DNA synthesis, using different terminators (dideoxynucleotides) to block the extension of the DNA chain during synthesis, thereby obtaining DNA fragments of different lengths. By analyzing these fragments, we can determine the sequence of the protein. Although Sanger sequencing technology is mainly used for DNA sequencing, its application in protein sequencing also has significant implications.

 

Mass Spectrometry Sequencing Technology

With the advancement of science and technology, mass spectrometry sequencing technology has gradually become an important tool in the field of protein sequencing. Mass spectrometry sequencing technology ionizes protein molecules and measures their mass precisely in a mass spectrometer to determine the mass and sequence information of the protein. This technology features high throughput, high sensitivity, and high resolution, and can quickly and accurately determine the sequence of proteins, making it particularly suitable for complex samples and large-scale proteomic studies.

 

Emerging Sequencing Technologies

With the continuous development of biotechnology, emerging sequencing technologies are making their mark in protein research. For example, the advent of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) provides a faster, more economical method for protein sequencing. NGS technology can sequence multiple protein samples simultaneously, greatly improving the efficiency and throughput of sequencing. In addition, the development of single-molecule sequencing technology has brought breakthroughs for protein sequencing, capable of directly determining the sequence of individual protein molecules, providing more detailed and comprehensive information for protein research.

 

Protein sequencing, as a key method to decipher protein structure and function, is of great significance for the field of biopharmaceuticals and scientific research. By determining the sequence information of proteins, we can reveal their structure and function, laying the groundwork for further research and application. From traditional Sanger sequencing technology to mass spectrometry sequencing technology and emerging sequencing methods, the development of protein sequencing technology offers us more choices and richer information.