Acetylation
Acetylation is a chemical modification in which an acetyl group (CH3CO-) is added to the free amino group at a peptide's N-terminus. This eliminates the positive charge of the terminal amine and blocks recognition by aminopeptidases.
N-terminal acetylation is one of the most common modifications in synthetic research peptides. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 analog) features an acetylated N-terminus (Ac-SDKP...), which contributes to its metabolic stability.
Acetylation can also occur on lysine side chains (epsilon-amino groups), which is a critical post-translational modification in protein biology. Sirtuin enzymes, which use NAD+ as a cofactor, catalyze deacetylation of lysine residues — a process central to research on NAD+ and cellular regulation.
All Healthy Aminos products are for research use only.
Related Terms
N-Terminus
The end of a peptide chain with a free amino group (-NH2), conventionally written as the first residue in a sequence.
Amidation
The conversion of a peptide's C-terminal carboxyl group to an amide group (-CONH2), often increasing stability and receptor binding.
Amino Acid Sequence
The linear order of amino acid residues in a peptide or protein chain, written from N-terminus to C-terminus, which determines the molecule's identity and properties.
Research Use Only
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Products sold by Healthy Aminos are intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved. By purchasing from Healthy Aminos, the buyer acknowledges that these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All products are sold as reference standards and research chemicals only.