Z-Phe-Arg-PNA is a benzoyl-protected dipeptide linked to p-nitroanilide for chromogenic protease assays. Phenylalanine and arginine create chymotryptic and tryptic recognition elements. Researchers follow p-nitroaniline release spectrophotometrically to obtain kinetic constants. Applications include substrate design, enzyme-mechanism studies, and inhibitor screening.
CAT No: R2581
CAS No:117761-01-0
Synonyms/Alias:Z-Phe-Arg-PNA;117761-01-0;SCHEMBL2193250;HY-P4515;DA-79136;CS-0654940;Benzyl ((S)-1-(((S)-5-guanidino-1-((4-nitrophenyl)amino)-1-oxopentan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate;benzyl N-[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-5-(diaminomethylideneamino)-1-(4-nitroanilino)-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]carbamate;
Z-Phe-Arg-PNA is a synthetic peptide substrate featuring the sequence benzyloxycarbonyl-phenylalanyl-arginine conjugated to para-nitroanilide. As a chromogenic peptide derivative, it is widely recognized for its utility in enzymology and protease research, particularly in the characterization of serine proteases such as trypsin-like enzymes. The PNA (p-nitroanilide) moiety enables spectrophotometric detection upon enzymatic cleavage, making Z-Phe-Arg-PNA a valuable tool for quantitative enzyme assays and kinetic studies. Its defined structure and reactivity profile support its application across a broad range of biochemical investigations into proteolytic activity and substrate specificity.
Enzyme activity assays: Z-Phe-Arg-PNA is extensively employed as a chromogenic substrate in the quantification of serine protease activity, especially for enzymes exhibiting trypsin- or chymotrypsin-like specificity. Upon enzymatic hydrolysis, the PNA group is released, resulting in a measurable color change that can be monitored spectrophotometrically, typically at 405 nm. This enables researchers to perform highly sensitive and reproducible assays for enzyme activity in purified systems, cell lysates, or complex biological mixtures, facilitating the study of protease kinetics, inhibitor screening, and functional characterization.
Protease inhibitor screening: The substrate's clear and quantifiable readout makes it particularly suitable for high-throughput screening of protease inhibitors. By providing a direct and continuous measure of proteolytic activity, Z-Phe-Arg-PNA allows for the rapid evaluation of potential inhibitory compounds under a range of experimental conditions. This application is instrumental in the discovery and optimization of novel inhibitors targeting serine proteases, supporting both basic research and early-stage drug discovery efforts focused on modulating proteolytic pathways.
Substrate specificity profiling: Researchers utilize this peptide to investigate the substrate preferences and cleavage site selectivity of various proteases. By analyzing the hydrolysis rates of Z-Phe-Arg-PNA relative to other peptide substrates, it is possible to elucidate the structural determinants of enzyme specificity and to map active site interactions. Such studies contribute to a deeper understanding of protease function, substrate recognition, and the molecular basis of enzymatic catalysis, informing the design of improved substrates and inhibitors.
Biochemical pathway elucidation: The chromogenic properties of Z-Phe-Arg-PNA facilitate its use in dissecting proteolytic cascades and regulatory mechanisms within complex biological systems. By monitoring the generation of p-nitroaniline in real time, researchers can track the activity of specific proteases in multi-enzyme pathways, analyze regulatory feedback, and assess the impact of endogenous or exogenous modulators. This approach is particularly valuable in studies of coagulation, inflammation, and other processes where protease activity plays a central regulatory role.
Analytical method development: The defined cleavage and robust spectrophotometric signal of this peptide substrate make it a reliable standard for developing and validating new analytical methods in enzymology. Laboratories frequently employ Z-Phe-Arg-PNA to calibrate assay platforms, optimize detection protocols, and compare the performance of different assay formats. Its consistent behavior across a variety of experimental setups ensures reproducibility and accuracy, supporting both routine laboratory analyses and advanced research applications.
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