Summary:

OSU researchers have developed a method for identifying the sequence of cyclic peptides in an inexpensive, rapid and accurate method. Cyclic peptides provide attractive lead compounds for drug discovery and excellent molecular probes in biomedical research but are difficult sequence by normal methods. Cyclic peptides are typically synthesized on beads and then ones that react with target sites are identified using split and pool technology. The OSU method segregates the bead into an inner and outer layer. The outer layer contains the cyclic peptide and the inner layer contains an identically sequenced linear peptide that can be easily sequenced using Edman degradation and mass spectrometry.

Potential Applications:

Drug discovery and molecular probe

Advantages:

• Ease of sequencing the cyclic peptide
• Use of common methods to sequence
• Can be done more rapidly than current methods
• Leaves the cyclic peptide intact