Sigma Introduces New Custom AQUA Peptides

ST. LOUIS, April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sigma, a division of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation , has launched a new offering of Custom AQUA Peptides for use with Protein-AQUA(TM) Quantitative Proteomics.

Protein AQUA, a powerful breakthrough technology, enables ultrasensitive absolute protein quantitation using stable isotope labeled peptides and Mass Spectrometry. To meet the specific needs of this dynamic and growing area, Sigma has leveraged its unique capabilities in the areas of custom peptide synthesis and stable isotope production to develop a specialized custom peptide offering. Custom AQUA peptides are synthesized using fully labeled 98 atom % 13C and 98 atom % 15N enriched amino acids (one labeled amino acid per peptide) and are stringently tested to ensure high purity (HPLC), accurate molecular weight (MALDI-TOF MS), and specific peptide content. Custom AQUA peptides are available in small (5 x 1 nmol) package sizes to enable convenient sample preparation and provide an appropriate peptide amount.

Versatile and innovative, Protein-AQUA has many significant applications. “Protein-AQUA confers the opportunity to significantly enable such important applications as Differential Protein Expression, Biomarker Quantification and RNAi Functional Validation,” said Dr. Graham Scott, Proteomics R&D Manager for Sigma-Aldrich.

Unlike alternative quantitative methods, Protein-AQUA sensitivity is virtually unlimited. “The vastly superior sensitivity of mass spectrometry over any other method currently available in conjunction with AQUA-based methods will enable quantitation of proteins at levels of sensitivity previously considered unattainable,” said Michael Hadjisavas, Global Proteomics Business Manager for Sigma-Aldrich.

This method was developed by Dr. Steve Gygi and colleagues at Harvard Medical School [Stemmann O, Zou H, Gerber SA, Gygi SP, Kirschner MW; Dual inhibition of sister chromatid separation at metaphase, Cell 2001, Dec 14, 107: 715-726] and is the subject of both U.S. and PCT Patent Applications. Limited use of this method is permitted under a licensing arrangement with Harvard Medical School.

About Sigma-Aldrich: Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Our biochemical and organic chemical products and kits are used in scientific and genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical and other high technology manufacturing. We have customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals and in industry. Over one million scientists and technologists use our products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 35 countries and has over 6,800 employees providing excellent service worldwide. We are committed to the success of our Customers, Employees and Shareholders through leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service. For more information about Sigma-Aldrich, please visit our award- winning Web site at sigma-aldrich.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements relating to future performance, goals, strategic actions and initiatives, and similar intentions and beliefs and other statements regarding the Company’s expectations, goals, beliefs, intentions and the like, which involve assumptions regarding Company operations and conditions in the markets the Company serves. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050215/CGSIGMAALLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comSigma-Aldrich Corporation

CONTACT: Michael Hadjisavas, +1-314-286-7431, or Joan Suda,+1-314-286-7626, both of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation