Proteinsequenzierung

Proteinsequenzierung refers to the process of determining the precise order of amino acids within a protein molecule. This sequence, also known as the primary structure, is fundamental to a protein's three-dimensional shape and its biological function. Early methods for protein sequencing relied on chemical degradation techniques, most notably the Edman degradation. This method involves sequentially removing and identifying N-terminal amino acids one by one. While groundbreaking, Edman degradation is time-consuming and can only reliably sequence relatively short peptides.

With the advent of mass spectrometry, protein sequencing has been revolutionized. Techniques like MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization - Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) and ESI-MS (Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry) can accurately measure the mass-to-charge ratio of peptides and their fragments. By analyzing these mass spectra, computational algorithms can reconstruct the amino acid sequence. These mass spectrometry-based methods are significantly faster and more sensitive than chemical methods, allowing for the analysis of complex protein mixtures and even intact proteins.

Understanding a protein's sequence is crucial for various fields, including molecular biology, medicine, and drug discovery. It helps in identifying protein function, diagnosing diseases related to protein abnormalities, and designing targeted therapies. The sequence information can also be used to infer evolutionary relationships between proteins and organisms.