Pyroglutamate Formation Analysis Service

The Pyroglutamate Formation Analysis Service is designed to provide comprehensive characterization of proteins and peptides undergoing N-terminal cyclization to form pyroglutamate. This post-translational modification, resulting from the conversion of glutamine or glutamic acid into pyroglutamic acid, significantly alters protein stability, biological activity, and molecular recognition. MtoZ Biolabs provides a comprehensive Pyroglutamate Formation Analysis Service that enables precise detection, quantification, and structural interpretation of pyroglutamate modifications, supporting research in neurodegeneration, immunology, and biopharmaceutical development.

Our comprehensive service includes:

💠Accurate Identification of Pyroglutamate Residues

Using advanced LC-MS/MS platforms with tailored fragmentation strategies, we achieve unambiguous identification of pyroglutamate-modified peptides, even in complex mixtures.

💠Dynamic Monitoring of Modification Levels

Our targeted PRM and MRM assays enable precise quantification of pyroglutamate across experimental conditions. This allows researchers to capture dynamic changes in modification during disease progression, therapeutic intervention, or stress response.

💠Structural and Functional Evaluation

NMR spectroscopy and structural modeling are employed to determine how pyroglutamate alters peptide and protein folding, aggregation propensity, and receptor-binding interfaces, particularly relevant for therapeutic antibodies.

💠Protein Stability and Degradation Resistance

By comparing pyroglutamate-modified and unmodified forms, we assess differences in proteolytic resistance, aggregation tendency, and overall stability, critical for understanding neurodegenerative mechanisms and for ensuring drug quality.

💠Systems-Level Bioinformatics Integration

Our bioinformatics pipelines connect pyroglutamate formation to functional pathways, immune recognition, and disease-associated networks, allowing researchers to translate raw detection data into meaningful biological interpretations.

What is Pyroglutamate?

Pyroglutamate formation is a spontaneous or enzymatically catalyzed reaction that modifies the N-terminal glutamine or glutamic acid of peptides and proteins. The reaction produces a cyclic lactam structure that significantly impacts protein biochemistry.

There are two main routes to pyroglutamate formation:

1. Spontaneous Cyclization: Occurs under physiological conditions, particularly when peptides are exposed to heat, acidic pH, or long-term storage.

2. Enzymatic Catalysis: Mediated by glutaminyl cyclases, enzymes that accelerate the conversion of N-terminal glutamine into pyroglutamate.

Liu, Y. D. et al. J Biol Chem. 2011.

Figure 1. The Mechanism of Pyroglutamate (pyroGlu) Formation from Glu or Gln

Functionally, pyroglutamate contributes to protein stability by protecting the N-terminus from exopeptidase cleavage. It also modulates molecular interactions, receptor binding, and immune recognition. In biological systems, pyroglutamate formation has been observed in amyloid-beta peptides linked to Alzheimer's disease, chemokines that regulate immune signaling, and therapeutic antibodies where stability is a critical quality attribute. Understanding pyroglutamate formation has therefore become increasingly important across multiple fields, ranging from neurodegeneration research to the development of biopharmaceutical products.

Analysis Workflow

Sample Submission Suggestions

Sample Preservation: All biological samples should be stored at -80°C prior to shipment. Lyophilization of purified peptides or proteins is acceptable.

Shipping Conditions: Ship frozen samples on dry ice using sealed, clearly labeled containers. Lyophilized samples may be shipped at room temperature but should be well protected from moisture.

For other sample types, please contact us in advance for tailored preparation guidance.

Service Advantages

✅ Precision: High-resolution MS ensures accurate residue-level detection.

✅ Sensitivity: Enrichment and optimized workflows allow reliable identification of low-abundance modifications.

✅ Comprehensiveness: Full-spectrum services from sample preparation to functional interpretation.

✅ Customization: Flexible project design tailored to experimental needs.

✅ Expertise: A professional team with extensive experience in PTM analysis ensures robust interpretation and technical support.

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

Our Pyroglutamate Formation Analysis Service is designed to provide more rapid, high-throughput, and cost-effective analysis, with exceptional data quality and minimal sample consumption. Free project evaluation, welcome to learn more details.