Determination of the protein sequence is as important today as it was a half century ago, even though the techniques and purposes have changed over time. Mass spectrometry has continued its recent rapid development to find notable application in the characterization of small amounts of protein, for example, in the field of proteomics. The “traditional” chemical N-terminal sequencing is still of great value in quality assurance of the increasing number of biopharmaceuticals that are to be found in the clinic, checking processing events of recombinant proteins, and so on. It is joined in the armory of me- ods of protein analysis by such techniques as C-terminal sequencing and amino acid analysis. These methods are continually developing. The first edition of Protein Sequencing Protocols was a “snapshot” of methods in use in protein biochemistry laboratories at the time, and this, the second edition, is likewise. Methods have evolved in the intervening period, and the content of this book has similarly changed, the content of some chapters having been superceded and replaced by other approaches. Thus, in this edition, there is inclusion of approaches to validation of methods for quality assurance work, reflecting the current importance of biopharmaceuticals, and also a guide to further analysis of protein sequence information, acknowledging the importance of bioinformatics.

How to design, execute, and interpret experiments for protein sequencing using mass spectrometry The rapid expansion of searchable protein and DNA databases in recent years has triggered an explosive growth in the application of mass spectrometry to protein sequencing. This timely and authoritative book provides professionals and scientists in biotechnology research with complete coverage of procedures for analyzing protein sequences by mass spectrometry, including step-by-step guidelines for sample preparation, analysis, and data interpretation. Michael Kinter and Nicholas Sherman present their own high-quality, laboratory-tested protocols for the analysis of a wide variety of samples, demonstrating how to carry out specific experiments and obtain fast, reliable results with a 99% success rate. Readers will get sufficient experimental detail to apply in their own laboratories, learn about the proper selection and operation of instruments, and gain essential insight into the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry and protein sequencing. Coverage includes: * Peptide fragmentation and interpretation of product ion spectra * Basic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis * Preparation of protein digests for sequencing experiments * Mass spectrometric analysis using capillary liquid chromatography * Techniques for protein identification by database searches * Characterization of modified peptides using tandem mass spectrometry And much more

The number of protein sequences grows each year, yet the number of structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank remains relatively small. The importance of protein structure prediction cannot be overemphasized, and this volume is a timely addition to the literature in this field. Protein Structure Prediction: Methods and Protocols is a departure from the normal Methods in Molecular Biology series format. By its very nature, protein structure prediction demands that there be a greater mix of theoretical and practical aspects than is normally seen in this series. This book is aimed at both the novice and the experienced researcher who wish for detailed inf- mation in the field of protein structure prediction; a major intention here is to include important information that is needed in the day-to-day work of a research scientist, important information that is not always decipherable in scientific literature. Protein Structure Prediction: Methods and Protocols covers the topic of protein structure prediction in an eclectic fashion, detailing aspects of pred- tion that range from sequence analysis (a starting point for many algorithms) to secondary and tertiary methods, on into the prediction of docked complexes (an essential point in order to fully understand biological function). As this volume progresses, the authors contribute their expert knowledge of protein structure prediction to many disciplines, such as the identification of motifs and domains, the comparative modeling of proteins, and ab initio approaches to protein loop, side chain, and protein prediction.

Why a Second Edition?The Second Edition provides practical answers to the general question, "How can I obtain useful sequence information from my protein or peptide?" rather than the more specific question asked in the first edition, "How can I obtain the N-terminal sequence?" Important new methods include ways of dealing with blocked N termini, computer analysis of protein sequences, and the recent revolution in mass spectrometry. - Mass spectrophotometric characterization of proteins and peptides - N-terminal sequencing of proteins with blocked N termini - Internal amino acid sequence analysis after protease digestion in-gel and on-blot - Improved microscale peptide purification methods - Computer analysis of protein sequences - New protocols tested and refined through everyday use in authors' laboratories - Updated reference chapter covering all aspects of protein microsequencing

Concepts and techniques in genomics and proteomics covers the important concepts of high-throughput modern techniques used in the genomics and proteomics field. Each technique is explained with its underlying concepts, and simple line diagrams and flow charts are included to aid understanding and memory. A summary of key points precedes each chapter within the book, followed by detailed description in the subsections. Each subsection concludes with suggested relevant original references. - Provides definitions for key concepts - Case studies are included to illustrate ideas - Important points to remember are noted

Hands-on researchers describe in step-by-step detail 73 proven laboratory methods and bioinformatics tools essential for analysis of the proteome. These cutting-edge techniques address such important tasks as sample preparation, 2D-PAGE, gel staining, mass spectrometry, and post-translational modification. There are also readily reproducible methods for protein expression profiling, identifying protein-protein interactions, and protein chip technology, as well as a range of newly developed methodologies for determining the structure and function of a protein. The bioinformatics tools include those for analyzing 2D-GEL patterns, protein modeling, and protein identification. All laboratory-based protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.