Post-Translational Modification Analysis
A post-translational modification (PTM) may be considered as any covalent change to the primary amino acid sequence that affects the properties of a protein such as active state (turnover), functional role, localization or interaction with other species. There are > 200 documented modifications and they are extremely common, particularly in eukaryotes (review). They can be permanent or transient.
Because of the predictable mass changes resulting from their introduction, MS-based proteomics is one of the most powerful tools for PTM analysis.
Many PTMs are of low abundance or only 'partial' in nature and therefore require targeted proteomics experiments designed around the modification(s) of interest and often involving one or more target enrichment steps to generate sufficient material for analysis.
Several of the more typical PTMs that we analyse would include phosphorylations, glycosylations, methylation & acetylation, reduction-oxidation & deamidations.
Depending on the nature and extent of modification you may require use of one or both of the following techniques:
If you are unsure about which of these techniques is best suited to your needs or you would like our help to design an analysis experiment, feel free to contact the unit.
