Technology

Alternate Peptide Labeling Methods

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Read below to find out how protein labels can be altered for use in peptides.

To determine and investigate important biological interactions such as protein structures and enzyme activities, a fluorescent label is utilized on a peptide to provide powerful tools for researchers.

The Process

To label a peptide or a molecular beacon probe, a modification is applied to an isolated peptide. An alternate approach to this is to incorporate the label during the synthesis process. Some common strategies used to “dye” the peptides include: labeling the peptide during the synthesis phase, covalently modifying the synthetic peptides following synthesis, and taking advantage of the capabilities of thiolreactive protein labels.

Peptide labeling can also be achieved through a biotinylated amino acid as well. This is an indirect method however but still allows for the specific binding of the conjugates to the site. Peptides gain the advantage of being able to accept protein labels and not just specifically designed labels meant for peptides. Protein labels are highly based on an aqueous solution of a target protein. Although specific modifications have to be made prior to the labeling possible, it is ultimately achievable and has proven to be a useful alternative.

Summing it up

These fluorescent dyes give researchers a chance to take an in-depth look into peptides and their structures. With numerous methods being introduced into labeling procedures, there can be more modifications and changes made that will affect the amount of information that can be taken out of these labels. The flexibility of peptides allows researchers to use alternate methods to label peptides while maintaining a high rate of quality.

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