Prenylation Analysis Service

Prenylation is a post-translational modification in which hydrophobic isoprenoid groups are covalently attached to specific cysteine residues, enhancing protein-membrane association and regulating subcellular localization. This modification plays a crucial role in signaling pathways, vesicular trafficking, and protein-protein interactions. MtoZ Biolabs provides a comprehensive Prenylation Analysis Service that integrates selective enrichment strategies, advanced LC-MS/MS platforms, and bioinformatics pipelines. Our service supports both targeted protein analysis and proteome-wide profiling, offering end-to-end solutions to identify prenylated proteins, characterize modification sites, and interpret their biological functions in health and disease.

💠Targeted Protein Prenylation Analysis

We provide precise detection and characterization of prenylation on specific proteins of interest. We identify modification sites, quantify prenylation levels, and offer validation through immunoprecipitation or antibody-based assays. This approach is ideal for hypothesis-driven studies on well-defined proteins.

💠Prenylation Proteomics Profiling

For broader investigations, we perform proteome-wide analysis to identify and quantify prenylated proteins across complex biological systems. Combining fractionation, selective enrichment, LC-MS/MS, and bioinformatics, this workflow uncovers novel substrates, global modification patterns, and dynamic regulation of prenylation under different conditions.

What is Prenylation?

Protein prenylation refers to the covalent attachment of isoprenoid groups, typically farnesyl (C15) or geranylgeranyl (C20), to cysteine residues near the C-terminus of proteins. This reaction is catalyzed by prenyltransferases, including farnesyltransferase (FTase) and geranylgeranyltransferases (GGTase I and II). The canonical recognition sequence, known as the CaaX motif, is characterized by a cysteine followed by two aliphatic residues and a variable terminal amino acid.

Palsuledesai, C. C. et al. ACS Chem Biol. 2015.

Figure 1. (A) Structures of 1 (Farnesyl Diphosphate, FPP) and 2 (Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate, GGPP)

(B) Reactions Catalyzed by Prenyltransferase Enzymes

Following prenylation, many substrates undergo additional processing, such as proteolytic cleavage of the –aaX tripeptide and carboxymethylation of the prenylated cysteine, further enhancing membrane anchoring. This modification increases the hydrophobicity of proteins, enabling interactions with cell membranes, signaling complexes, and vesicular compartments. Prenylation is critical for the function of numerous signaling proteins, including Ras superfamily GTPases, which regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Dysregulation of prenylation has been implicated in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and neurodegeneration. Pharmacological inhibition of prenyltransferases has been explored as a therapeutic strategy, highlighting the biomedical relevance of this modification.

Analysis Workflow

Sample Submission Suggestions

1. Sample Types

We accept various biological sample types, including but not limited to:

• Cultured cells
• Microorganisms
• Animal or human tissue
• Plant tissue
• Biological fluids such as plasma or serum
• Protein Extracts

2. Storage and Transport

• Samples should be snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at –80°C until shipment.
• Ship samples on dry ice.
• Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

*Note: If you have special sample types or require additional guidance, please contact us for personalized support before sample preparation.

Service Advantages

✔️Comprehensive Solutions

End-to-end workflows covering sample preparation, enrichment, MS analysis, and data interpretation.

✔️Experienced Team

A dedicated group of proteomics and bioinformatics experts with extensive PTM analysis experience.

✔️Customizable Options

Flexible service packages tailored to meet specific research goals, from targeted validation to global profiling.

✔️High Specificity and Sensitivity

Optimized enrichment and MS detection strategies for confident prenylation site assignment.

✔️Efficient Turnaround

Streamlined workflows that deliver results in a timely manner.

Applications

The Prenylation Analysis Service offered by MtoZ Biolabs supports diverse areas of biomedical and life science research, including:

1. Disease Research: Characterizing the role of prenylated proteins in cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases.

2. Drug Development: Supporting the evaluation of prenyltransferase inhibitors and identification of prenylation-dependent therapeutic targets.

3. Cell Signaling Studies: Exploring how prenylation regulates GTPase signaling, protein-protein interactions, and dynamic cellular pathways.

4. Membrane Biology: Investigating how prenylation drives protein localization, vesicular trafficking, and membrane anchoring.

5. Metabolic Regulation: Understanding the link between prenylation, lipid metabolism, and cellular homeostasis.

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Experimental Details

2. Materials, Instruments, and Methods

3. The Detailed Information of Prenylation Analysis

4. Mass Spectrometry Image

5. Bioinformatics Analysis

6. Raw Data

Accurate prenylation analysis is the key to understanding protein regulation. MtoZ Biolabs ensures that every project delivers clarity, reliability, and meaningful biological interpretation. Contact us today to discuss your project and request a customized proposal!