Protein Isoforms Analysis

Protein drugs are a part of biopharmaceutical and have a variety of isomers. Protein isomers are highly similar members of proteins that are structurally different and may differ in physical and chemical properties and functions. Alternative splicing, charge variation, truncation, amino acid substitution, polymorphism and post-translational modification of (PTMs) are the main causes of protein isomer formation. Protein isomers play an important role in many biological processes, such as cardiac hypertrophy, autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus, and so on. They affect the pathological condition of thyroid gland which is closely related to many kinds of cancers. In addition, these changes can also significantly affect the stability and activity of protein products, and even lead to adverse immune reactions. Because of the high amino acid sequence homology of protein isomers, effective, important and accurate methods are needed to distinguish and quantify specific protein isomers.

Figure 1 Top-down, bottom-up and MRM and SWATH methods for protein isoform identification.¹

With years of analytical experience and unique expertise in the biopharmaceutical field, Alfa Chemistry provides global clients with the best quality protein isomer analysis services using its advanced technology and innovative methods. In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of protein isomer identification, our experts have developed many of the latest analysis platforms based on mass spectrometry (MS) and new separation methodology platforms. Whether you need a top-down or a bottom-up analysis, Alfa Chemistry's experts can provide you with a trusted service. If you have any questions about protein isomer analysis, please feel free to contact us.

Alfa Chemistry's technology platforms include but not limited to:

• Two-dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2-D DIGE)

• Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC)

• Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)

• Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance-Mass Spectrometry (FTICR-MS)

• MALDI-TOF-MS

• ESI-QTOF-MS

Alfa Chemistry's advantages:

Reference

• Miroslava Stastna. (2012) 'Analysis of protein isoforms: can we do it better?' Proteomics. 12(0): 2937–2948.