Edman Degradation: A Revolutionary Technique for Protein Sequencing

Introduction

Pehr Edman, a Swedish biochemist, made a remarkable breakthrough in 1949 with the development of the Edman degradation method. This groundbreaking technique revolutionized the field of protein sequencing, enabling scientists to unravel the intricate structure of proteins.

Methodology

The Edman degradation method involves a series of steps that selectively label and cleave the amino acid at the N-terminus (the starting point) of a peptide or protein. The labeled amino acid is then identified, and the process is repeated to determine the sequence of amino acids in the protein.

Applications and Impact

Edman degradation has become a cornerstone technique in protein science, with applications in numerous fields, including:

• Determining the structure and function of proteins
• Identifying disease-causing mutations
• Developing diagnostic tests
• Designing new drugs and therapies