Although advances in other areas of protein chemistry have overshadowed improvements in amino acid analysis technology, improvements have occurred in both AAA procedures and instrumentation. AAA remains the method of choice for peptide/protein quantification and strongly complements other structural analysis methods, particularly Edman sequencing and mass spectrometry. The emphasis of the 1992 ABRF amino acid analysis study is on two problem residues, cysteine and tryptophan. In past ABRF studies, the average accuracy for these residues has been less than for other residues and traditionally the procedures and precautions required for their quantification has prompted neglect. The goals of this year's study are to provide an up-to-date evaluation of current Cys and Trp analysis methods, to identify and highlight methods that appear to be most reliable and readily adaptable to routine use in resource facilities, and to enhance accuracy as well as perceived accessibility of these measurements.
About 50 ug of a protein sample was distributed in late February to 221 ABRF facility directors along with a short list of Cys and Trp analysis methods and references. Limited replacements for lost samples may be obtained by contacting John Crabb (518-523-1281), FAX (518-523-1849).
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