Methylation Analysis Service
Protein methylation is an ancient and pervasive protein PTM that has accompanied the evolution of life and cannot be ignored as a key factor in a wide range of life processes. Creative Proteomics offers high-quality methylation analysis services, including identification, quantification and characterization, providing valuable insights into your protein research.
What is Methylation
Protein methylation, a ubiquitous post-translational modification (PTM), predominantly occurs on proteins like histones and transcription factors, playing a crucial role in various processes, including the regulation of gene expression and protein interactions. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) serves as the methylation donor, with the ε-amino group of lysine and the guanidino group of arginine typically acting as acceptors. Additionally, methylation can target the imidazole group of histidine, the amide groups of glutamine and asparagine, the sulfhydryl group of cysteine, the carboxyl group of cysteine, and the side-chain carboxyl groups of glutamate and aspartate. In contrast to acetylation and phosphorylation, methylation does not alter the total charge of an amino acid residue. However, the presence of a methyl group influences the properties of the residue, allowing up to three methyl groups to attach simultaneously.
Fig.1 Schematic of methylation (Malecki, J. M. et al.; 2022)
Methylation represents a vital biochemical process that modifies protein function, impacting diverse biological processes such as gene expression, DNA damage repair, signaling, and cellular regulation. This ancient and widespread PTM is found in nearly all organisms, including humans, mice, fish, insects, plants, and algae. Analyzing protein methylation provides a detailed examination of methylated proteins, offering insights into the dynamic landscape of protein methylation.
Applications of Methylation Analysis
Epigenetics
Protein methylation is a key player in epigenetic regulation, influencing chromatin structure and gene expression. It contributes to the understanding of how specific methylated proteins participate in the regulation of gene expression.
Disease Research
Dysregulation of methylation is associated with various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. It contributes to disease research by identifying aberrant methylation patterns and potential therapeutic targets.
Signaling Pathways
Methylated proteins are integral components of various signaling pathways. It aids in uncovering the dynamics of protein methylation in response to extracellular signals, providing insights into cellular communication.
Our Service
Creative Proteomics has advanced protein detection technologies and can provide customized services to researchers and scientists to help them reveal the complexity of PTM using powerful mass spectrometry technologies. Our services are thoughtful and detailed and the process of methylation analysis service is as follows:
Fig.2 Methylation analysis workflow
- Sample Preparation
Proper extraction and preparation of proteins from biological samples to ensure preservation of methylated proteins. - Methylation Enrichment
Enrichment techniques are employed to isolate methylated proteins or peptides. This step is crucial as methylation modifications are often present in low abundance compared to unmodified proteins. - Detection
WB, protein microarrays and LC-MS/MS are powerful tools for the identification and quantification of methylated peptides, and they provide detection information that facilitates a comprehensive analysis of methylation. - Bioinformatics Analysis
Advanced bioinformatics tools are used to analyze data, identify methylated peptides, and map these modifications to protein sequences. - Result Delivery
After professional data analysis, we deliver results quickly and consistently.
Creative Proteomics brings a wealth of experience to the field of protein research. Our comprehensive services and products cover the entire spectrum of utilizing suitable and efficient gateways. Utilizing our proprietary platform, we have successfully implemented many proteomics research projects. If you are interested, please contact us for more information and a quote.
Reference
- Malecki, J. M.; et al. Protein Methylation in Mitochondria. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2022, 298(4): 101791