What are the advantages of Edman degradation method over mass spectrometry

The Edman degradation method and mass spectrometry-based methods are currently the most commonly used protein sequence analysis techniques. The Edman degradation method is mainly used for determining the N-terminal sequence of proteins, while mass spectrometry can analyze the entire protein sequence and can also be used for N/C-terminal sequence analysis. Both methods have their own advantages and limitations. Compared to mass spectrometry sequencing, the Edman degradation method has the following advantages:

(1) The Edman sequencing method identifies one amino acid at a time during degradation, resulting in high accuracy of identification;

(2) The Edman degradation method does not rely on any protein sequence database and can analyze sequences of proteins/peptides that cannot be matched in databases or are newly discovered, whereas mass spectrometry must rely on existing protein sequence databases;

(3) For proteins or peptides with N-terminal sequence mutations or artificial modifications, Edman can also provide accurate identification. Mass spectrometry cannot detect mutation sites and cannot accurately distinguish amino acids with relatively close molecular weights.

BGI Biotech uses nano LC-MS/MS nano liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry and Shimadzu's Edman degradation sequencing system to analyze protein sequences, providing mass spectrometry-based protein sequencing analysis services, including amino acid composition analysis of proteins, N-terminal sequencing, C-terminal sequencing, and full sequence analysis, as well as Edman degradation-based protein N-terminal sequence analysis services. For proteins with unknown theoretical sequences, we offer de novo sequencing services to analyze protein sequences. Free consultation is welcome.

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