Peptide mapping, the principal technique for confirming a protein’s primary structure (amino acid sequence), can be used in drug discovery and throughout the manufacturing process. It is one of the most important techniques in comparability studies of biologics and a key step in the characterization of biopharmaceutical proteins. For recombinant protein drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), peptide mapping can be used for identification, primary structural characterization, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). Some global regulators, like the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), have developed guidelines to ask for providing peptide mapping to confirm the amino acid sequence of drug substance proteins.

Peptide Mapping Service at Creative Proteomics

At Creative Proteomics, we have developed a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based peptide mapping platform for confirmation of protein primary structure. And we can provide the peptide mapping service to analyze the sequence of biopharmaceuticals and confirm complete expression of recombinant protein in compliance with ICH Q6B.

Figure 1. Workflow of Peptide Mapping Service at Creative Proteomics

As peptide mapping service compares the peptide masses with protein databases, only proteins from the database can be identified using this method. Proteins, whose sequence is not found in a protein database, such as antibodies or novel proteins, can be deduced by our service of de-novo sequencing. In addition, we can provide detailed reports, including:

• Experiment procedures
• Parameters of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometer
• MS raw data files
• Bioinformatics analysis
• Peptide mapping results

Our Advantages

• Various types of proteases used to achieve coverage of 100%, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, Asp-N, Glu-C, Lys-C, and Lys-N.
• Professional peptide mapping platform including advanced instrument and software.
• Protein sample 100% sequence validation service.
• Delivery of detailed report in a fast turnaround time.

Technology Platform

• 2D Electrophoresis
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS)

Points of Interest in Peptide Mapping Services
Our peptide mapping service can help clients to comply with ICH Q6B guidelines in support of marketing applications. At Creative Proteomics, peptide mapping services have different uses, including but not limited:

• Amino acid sequence. Peptide mapping is a valuable method to confirm the amino acid sequence of purified proteins, like drug substance protein, in accordance with ICH Q6B.
• Post-translational modifications (PTMs). Based on peptide mapping, we can analysis PTMs, including deamidation, oxidation, N-terminal pyroglutamic acid, C-terminal lysine clipping, and glycosylation.
• Disulfide bridges and free thiols. At Creative Proteomics, peptide mapping can be performed without reduction to determine the positions of disulfide bridges and/or free thiols (sulfhydryl groups).

With professional and experienced staff, Creative Proteomics provides high-quality peptide mapping services. Our peptide mapping service is not only for structural characterization and confirmation, but provides a whole suite of information to help inform the drug development process. Our ordering procedure is as follows. As every project has different requirements, please contact our specialists to discuss your specific needs.