what is the clinical importance of doing the amino acid sequence determination
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "amino acid sequence determination" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_sequencing
http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=amino+acid+sequence+determination&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&um=1&oi=scholart
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
The clinical importance of amino acid sequence determination lies in the understanding and analysis of proteins. Proteins are an essential component of living organisms and play a critical role in various biological processes. Determining the sequence of amino acids in a protein can provide valuable information about its structure, function, and potential diseases or disorders associated with it.
Here's how to determine the amino acid sequence:
1. Protein Extraction: Start by isolating the protein of interest from its source (e.g., blood, tissue, or cells). Various techniques, such as cell lysis and centrifugation, can be used to extract the protein.
2. Protein Purification: To obtain a pure sample, the extracted protein needs to be purified. Techniques like chromatography, electrophoresis, or mass spectrometry can be employed to remove contaminants and separate the protein from other cellular components.
3. Sequencing Methods: There are different methods available for amino acid sequence determination. Two common techniques are Edman degradation and mass spectrometry.
- Edman Degradation: This method sequentially removes amino acids from the peptide chain and identifies each one individually. While it can provide reliable results, it has limitations in terms of sample size and complexity.
- Mass Spectrometry: This technique involves ionizing and fragmenting the protein into smaller peptides. The mass spectrometer then analyzes the mass-to-charge ratio of these peptides, allowing for the determination of their sequences. Mass spectrometry is highly sensitive and capable of analyzing complex protein mixtures.
4. Data Analysis: After obtaining the sequence data, it needs to be analyzed using bioinformatic tools and databases. Tools like BLAST, which compares the obtained sequence with known protein sequences, can help identify similar proteins and reveal potential functional or structural insights.
Now, regarding the clinical importance, here are a few key reasons why amino acid sequence determination is crucial in the clinical setting:
1. Disease Diagnosis: Changes or mutations in the amino acid sequence of certain proteins can be indicative of specific diseases or disorders. Determining the sequence can help identify genetic mutations, detect protein abnormalities, and aid in diagnosing diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or various cancers.
2. Drug Development: Understanding the amino acid sequence of disease-associated proteins can facilitate the design and development of targeted therapeutics. By knowing the precise sequence, scientists can create drugs that interact specifically with the target protein, potentially improving treatment outcomes and minimizing side effects.
3. Personalized Medicine: Amino acid sequence determination can contribute to personalized medicine by providing insights into an individual's genetic makeup. This information can be used to tailor treatment plans based on the patient's specific protein profiles, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of medical interventions.
In summary, determining the amino acid sequence of proteins is vital for understanding their structure, function, and implications in disease. This knowledge can impact diagnosis, drug development, and personalized medicine, ultimately leading to improved patient care and outcomes.