α-Amidated Peptides Analysis Service
α-Amidated peptides represent a unique class of bioactive molecules. α-Amidation is essential for the full biological activity of many neuropeptides and peptide hormones, influencing their stability, receptor affinity, and signaling functions. These peptides play critical roles in physiological regulation, including cardiovascular control, endocrine signaling, and neuronal communication.
MtoZ Biolabs provides a dedicated α-Amidated Peptides Analysis Service to support researchers in systematically characterizing these biologically significant molecules. Our service includes precise identification and quantification of amidated peptides, determination of amidation sites, evaluation of modification efficiency, and global profiling of amidated peptide networks. To achieve this, we employ advanced enrichment methods such as HPLC fractionation, antibody-based assays, and biotin-switch derivatization, combined with high-resolution LC-MS/MS for structural confirmation.
1. Targeted α-Amidated Peptide Analysis
For studies centered on specific peptides, MtoZ Biolabs offers targeted analysis to determine amidation sites, quantify modification levels, and assess amidation efficiency under defined biological conditions. This approach is ideal for validating individual neuropeptides, hormones, or synthetic peptide candidates.
2. α-Amidated Peptidomics
For broader investigations, we provide α-amidated peptidomics to profile amidated peptides across complex biological samples. High-resolution LC–MS/MS combined with comprehensive bioinformatics analysis enables global identification, quantitative comparison, and pathway-level interpretation of amidation events.
What are α-Amidated Peptides?
α-Amidated peptides are a specialized subset of peptides that undergo enzymatic conversion at the C-terminal glycine, resulting in the formation of an amide group. This transformation is mediated by the enzyme peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), a bifunctional enzyme that requires copper ions, ascorbate, and molecular oxygen as cofactors. The process occurs in two sequential steps: first, hydroxylation of the terminal glycine generates an unstable intermediate, followed by cleavage to release glyoxylate and produce the amidated peptide.
Mueller, G. P. et al. Methods Mol Biol. 2019.
Figure 1. Chemistry of α-Amidation
The functional impact of α-amidation is multifaceted. This modification significantly increases peptide stability against enzymatic degradation, enhances receptor-binding specificity, and ensures proper signal transduction. Many neuropeptides and peptide hormones, such as calcitonin, vasopressin, oxytocin, and gastrin-releasing peptide, require amidation for their biological activity. In the absence of amidation, these peptides may exhibit reduced efficacy or complete loss of function.
Beyond their established roles in endocrine and neuronal signaling, α-amidated peptides are also implicated in cardiovascular regulation, metabolic homeostasis, and stress responses. Dysregulation of amidation has been linked to disease conditions including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, the study of α-amidated peptides provides essential insights into physiological regulation and offers opportunities for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.
Analysis Workflow
Sample Submission Suggestions
💠Storage: Snap-freeze samples in liquid nitrogen and store at –80°C.
💠Shipping: Ship on dry ice to maintain modification stability.
💠Replicates: Biological replicates are recommended for statistical reliability.
For other sample types, we recommend contacting our technical team prior to preparation to ensure compatibility and optimal processing.
Service Advantages
✅ Precision: Optimized enrichment strategies combined with high-resolution MS ensure accurate amidation detection.
✅ Sensitivity: Capable of identifying low-abundance amidated peptides in complex biological matrices.
✅ Comprehensive Solutions: From targeted analysis to global profiling, our workflows provide complete coverage.
✅ Customization: Flexible experimental designs tailored to project-specific needs.
✅ Expertise: A professional scientific team with extensive experience in PTM proteomics and peptide biochemistry.
Applications
1. Neurobiology
α-Amidated peptides play pivotal roles in neurotransmission and neuromodulation by modulating receptor interactions and signaling cascades. The study of amidated neuropeptides, including those involved in pain perception and mood regulation, provides valuable insights into neurological disorders and supports the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
2. Endocrinology
Peptide hormones that undergo α-amidation exhibit enhanced stability and functional potency, making amidation essential for endocrine regulation. Characterizing amidated hormones deepens our understanding of hormone signaling pathways and their roles in maintaining systemic homeostasis.
3. Pharmaceutical Development
The structural advantages conferred by amidation, particularly increased resistance to degradation and improved bioactivity, position amidated peptides as promising templates for therapeutic design. Evaluating amidation effects aids in the rational development of peptide-based drugs with optimized clinical performance.
4. Oncology Research
Evidence increasingly suggests that aberrant amidation contributes to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Profiling amidated peptides in cancer models may reveal mechanistic insights into tumorigenesis and identify new biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
5. Translational Medicine
Manipulating peptide amidation holds potential as an innovative therapeutic strategy. Targeted modulation of amidation processes may enable precision interventions in metabolic, endocrine, or neurological diseases, expanding opportunities for personalized medicine.
Deliverables
1. Comprehensive Experimental Details
2. Materials, Instruments, and Methods
3. Total Ion Chromatogram & Quality Control Assessment
4. Data Analysis, Preprocessing, and Estimation
5. Bioinformatics Analysis
6. Raw Data Files
By partnering with MtoZ Biolabs, researchers gain access to comprehensive α-amidated peptides analysis solutions that deliver reliable data and meaningful biological insights. Free project evaluation, welcome to learn more details.