In the realm of biochemical research and synthetic biology, the m13 peptide sequence stands out as a foundational tool for studying protein-protein interactions and structural biology. Often associated with the calmodulin-binding domain of skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase (skMLCK), this 26- Jul 21, 1986—Enterobacteria phage M13(Bacteriophage M13). Amino acids. 424 (go to sequence). Protein existence. Evidence at protein level. Annotation score.Read more amino acid motif has become a standard reference in laboratory settings.
Defining the M13 Peptide
When researchers discuss the peptide M13, they ar Systematic Delineation of a Calmodulin Peptide Interaction e frequently referring to a specific synthetic segment derived from the skMLCK protein (residues 577–602). This sequence is highly valued for its ability to bind to calmodulin (CaM) with high affinity, making it an essential subject for those analyzing binding kinetics and allosteric switches.
The primary sequence one letter code. KRRWKKNFIAVSAANRFKKISSSGAL represents the standard configuration often cited in structural studies. Alternatively, the amino acid pe VIII - Capsid protein G8P - Enterobacteria phage M13 ptide is sometimes truncated or modified, such as in the 19-mer va by PM Bayley·1996·Cited by 203—PeptideWF10 (residues 1-10 ofM13) binds to CaM with Kd approximately 1 microM;peptideFW10 (residues 9-18 ofM13, with Phe-17-->Trp substitution) binds to Read more riant (RWKKNFIAVSAANRFKKIS), to refine specific interaction studies.
Contextualizing the Terminology
It is important to distinguish this synthetic peptide from other biological entities that share the M13 nomenclature:
* Enterobacteria phage M13: A filamentous *E. coli* bacteriophage. This virus is a cornerstone of molecular biology, utilized in sequencing and phage display technologies.
* M13 peptidases: A well-studied family of proteases that includes neprilysin and ECE-1. These are distinct from the synthetic peptide used in biochemical binding assays.
* M13 Vectors: Cloning systems, such as M13mp18 or M13mp19, which are used to sequence inserts cloned into the M13 vectors. These vectors often contain universal sequences that facilitate the reading of genetic information.
Applications in Research
In my personal experience exploring biochemical tools, the utility of the M13 motif lies in its versatility. Whether it is being used to investigate helix-helix interactions or as a probe for calmodulin kinetics, the peptide sequence provides a reliable, reproducible baseline.
For those working with phage display, the M13 system is invaluable. The phage can be used to display small peptides with sequences of 50 amino acids or less, allowing for the screening of high-diversity libraries. In these systems, specific sequences are fused to the Blue: Coat Protein pIII or the major coat protein (pVIII). When designing these experiments, researchers must enter a distinct sequence that is an important, differentiating feature to ensure successful identification of binding partners.
Structural Insights and Variations
The study of peptide M13 often involves looking at how single amin TheM13phage possesses a 6.4 kb circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genome encoding 11 genes (gI-gXI), functionally categorized as follows: Replication Genes Read more o acid substitutions affect binding. For instance, the Asn5Ala mutant is a common variant used to dissect the energetics of the calmodulin-target interaction. Analyzing these sequences requires precise instrumentation and a deep understanding of protein folding, as the peptide acts as a structural mimic of the natural FN-binding peptides identified by phage display. (A) M13 MLCK dom Small GTPase Ras fused with M13 peptide which is ain.
Summary of Technical Observations
The term M13 is a multifaceted identifier in biological science. While the synthetic peptide derived from skMLCK is a vital reagent for interaction studies, the broader M13 bacteriophage system remains the workhorse for DNA manipulation and protein engineering. By maintaining a clear distinction between the synthetic peptide motif and the viral cloning vectors, researchers can better leverage these tools for their specific experimental goals.
Whether you are performing DNA sequencing or investigating the binding affinity of a specific protein domain, understanding the precise sequence of your reagents is the most critical step in ensuring experimental success.