Post-Translationally Modified (PTM) Peptide Synthesis

Site-defined post-translationally modified peptides for signaling, epigenetics, binding assays, and LC–MS workflows—phospho, glyco, acetyl, methyl, lipid, UBLs, and more, with fit-for-purpose QC.

Site-defined, homogeneous PTM peptides—panel-ready for binding maps, enzyme on/off models, and assay controls.

Overview

What are PTM peptides?

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are biologically encoded covalent changes introduced after translation (e.g., phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation). PTMs regulate activity, localization, stability, and molecular recognition by altering charge, conformation, and interaction surfaces.

Bio-Synthesis specializes in synthetic, site-defined, homogeneous PTM peptides, including single-site and multi-PTM peptide panels with controlled stoichiometry for mechanistic, quantitative, and assay-critical studies.

Bio-Synthesis produces site-defined, homogeneous PTM peptides (single-site or multi-PTM) with purification and fit-for-purpose analytical verification (HPLC/LC–MS) delivered with a COA—built for signaling, epigenetics, binding assays, and quantitative LC–MS workflows.

Why synthesize PTM peptides?
  • Homogeneous: fixed PTM site(s) and stoichiometry (no microheterogeneity).
  • Mechanistic clarity: isolate PTM-driven effects from sequence effects.
  • Assay controls: matched modified/unmodified panels to validate specificity.
  • Quantitation-ready: optional isotope-labeled counterparts for LC–MS/MS.
Common applications
  • Kinase/phosphatase substrates and phospho-binder studies
  • Histone PTM panels for reader-domain profiling
  • Glycopeptide epitopes for vaccine and receptor binding
  • Lipidated peptides for membrane localization assays
  • UBL / ADP-ribosylation models for proteostasis and DNA repair
ISO 900:2015/ISO13485:2016 45+ Years of Expertise U.S. Facilities - Texas Site-specific conjugation Cleavable & non-cleavable linkers HPLC/LC-MS QC

Tip: For most studies, request a set: unmodified + PTM + site variants to confirm positional specificity.

PTM categories

PTM peptide categories (site-defined)

We synthesize site-defined, post-translationally modified peptides across major PTM classes. Choose a category below or request a custom multi-PTM panel.

Phosphorylation

Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation peptides model defined signaling states for kinase/phosphatase assays, phospho-dependent binding, and MS workflows. Order matched unmodified controls and single-site variants to confirm positional specificity.

  • Kinase substrates
  • Phospho-binder motifs
  • MS standards

Learn more →

Glycosylation

Site-defined N-linked (Asn) and O-linked (Ser/Thr) glycopeptides support vaccine epitopes, receptor binding, and antibody validation while avoiding glycan microheterogeneity. Specify the glycan identity (e.g., GalNAc or tri-GalNAc) and linkage type.

  • N-/O-glycopeptides
  • GalNAc / tri-GalNAc
  • Epitope mapping

Learn more →

Acetylation

N-terminal acetylation and ε-N-acetyllysine peptides are core tools for epigenetics. Provide the exact site(s) and consider combinatorial panels with methylation or phosphorylation for PTM crosstalk studies.

  • Histone peptides
  • Reader-domain assays
  • Controls

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Methylation

Lys/Arg methylation is state-specific (me1/me2/me3; symmetric vs asymmetric dimethyl-Arg). Define the state explicitly and use panels to map reader-domain selectivity.

  • Chromatin biology
  • PTM crosstalk
  • Binding specificity

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Ubiquitin-like (UBL)

Ubiquitination and UBL models (Ub/SUMO/NEDD8) enable proteostasis and enzyme mechanism studies. Provide the target lysine position and desired construct format/linkage for your E3/DUB workflow.

  • E3/DUB assays
  • Isopeptide linkages
  • Mechanistic studies

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Lipidation

Myristoylation/palmitoylation/prenylation increase hydrophobicity and membrane association. For assay-friendly handling, discuss solubility-oriented formats (spacers, composition tuning) and aliquoting.

  • Localization assays
  • GPCR signaling
  • Hydrophobic motifs

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Sulfation

Tyrosine O-sulfation is common in extracellular recognition (e.g., chemokine receptors). Sulfated peptides are useful for binding assays and structure–function mapping.

  • Chemokine receptors
  • Binding assays
  • Specificity mapping

Learn more →

ADP-ribosylation

Mono-ADP-ribosylation (often Ser) is central to DNA repair signaling. Define the acceptor residue and position; plan handling conditions that preserve PTM integrity.

  • DNA repair
  • Enzyme profiling
  • Standards

Learn more →

Other PTMs

We also support citrullination, hydroxylation, oxidation/redox states, disulfide architectures, pyroglutamate formation, C-terminal amidation, and maturation/truncation series. Ask for a multi-PTM panel if you’re mapping crosstalk.

  • Autoimmune epitopes
  • Structural motifs
  • Stability models

Learn more →

PTMs vs chemical conjugation — choose the right language for your experiment

Quick rule: If the modification exists naturally in vivo and controls signaling or regulation → choose a PTM peptide. If the modification is added for detection, capture, or assembly → choose a chemically conjugated peptide.

True PTMs (biological states) PTM services

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are covalent changes found in vivo and installed by enzymes. If your goal is to model native signaling, regulation, or recognition, use PTM terminology and order site-defined PTM peptides.

Examples (PTMs)
  • Phosphorylation (pSer/pThr/pTyr) — kinase/phosphatase states
  • Glycosylation (N-/O-linked) — epitope/receptor recognition
  • Acetylation / methylation — chromatin & reader domains
  • Lipidation — membrane localization
  • UBLs (Ub/SUMO/NEDD8) — proteostasis signaling

Best-fit: mechanistic studies, PTM-dependent binding, epigenetics, pathway switching, and biologically faithful controls.

Chemical conjugations (assay handles) Conjugation services

Chemical conjugations attach functional handles that help you detect, capture, immobilize, or deliver peptides. They’re valuable, but they are not biological PTMs. Label these accurately to avoid confusing “modified peptide” searches.

Examples (conjugations)
  • Fluorophores (FITC, Cy dyes, Alexa dyes) — imaging/FRET/assays
  • Biotin — pull-down, SPR/BLI capture, ELISA
  • PEG — solubility, half-life tuning
  • Click handles (azide/alkyne/DBCO/BCN) — modular assembly

Best-fit: detection & immobilization, multiplex assays, conjugate assembly, delivery systems, and workflow acceleration.

Quick chooser (60 seconds)
Use “PTM peptide” when you need…
  • Native signaling state (on/off switching)
  • Reader-domain specificity (me/Ac combinations)
  • Biological recognition (glycosylation, sulfation)
  • Defined stoichiometry and site control
Use “conjugated / functionalized peptide” when you need…
  • Detection labels (fluorescence, FRET)
  • Capture or immobilization (biotin, tags)
  • Handles for modular assembly (click chemistry)
  • PK or solubility tuning (PEG, lipid payloads)

Bio-Synthesis tip: If you’re unsure, tell us your assay type (binding vs MS vs cell-based) and whether the modification mimics an in vivo state or serves as a workflow handle—we’ll recommend the correct format.

PTM comparison matrix

PTM comparison matrix

Use this matrix to pick the right PTM format for your experiment. We can provide matched unmodified controls and site variants.

PTM Residue(s) Primary effect Best-fit applications Notes
Phosphorylation Ser/Thr/Tyr Charge + recognition Kinase assays, phospho-binding Specify single-site vs multi-site
Glycosylation Asn / Ser / Thr Recognition + stability Vaccines, receptors, antibody validation Define glycan identity (e.g., GalNAc/tri-GalNAc)
Acetylation N-term / Lys Interaction modulation Epigenetics, reader domains N-terminal vs ε-Lys matters
Methylation Lys / Arg Reader binding Chromatin, PTM crosstalk me1/me2/me3; sym/asym Arg
UBL Lys Turnover + signaling E3/DUB assays Define construct format/linkage
Lipidation N-term/Cys/Lys Membrane localization Signaling, membrane binding Hydrophobic; discuss solubility options

Design tips

Include these in your request
  • Exact PTM site(s) and state(s) (e.g., Kme2 vs Kme3)
  • Terminal format (free, acetylated, amidated)
  • Purity / quantity targets
  • Use case (binding, enzyme assay, MS quantitation)
Best-practice panels
  • Modified vs unmodified peptide pairs
  • Single-site variants for positional specificity
  • Multi‑PTM crosstalk sets (epigenetics)
  • Negative controls (scrambled or site‑null)

Design tip: For functional studies, order PTM + unmodified + site variants together to avoid ambiguous results and shorten iteration cycles.

QC & handling

Quality control deliverables
  • Analytical HPLC chromatogram
  • LC–MS confirmation of expected mass shift(s)
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)
  • PTM‑specific analytical notes (as needed)
Handling & stability guidance
  • Recommendations for labile PTMs (phospho, sulfation, ADP‑ribose)
  • Storage & aliquoting to minimize freeze–thaw
  • Buffer, pH, and oxidation sensitivity notes
  • Assay‑specific handling advice (binding vs LC–MS)

Handling note: If your workflow involves harsh conditions or long incubations, share details early so we can recommend formats that preserve PTM integrity.

FAQ

Are PTM peptides synthetic?

Yes. PTM peptides used in research are typically chemically synthesized to install post‑translational modifications at defined residue positions and stoichiometry. Synthetic PTM peptides avoid the heterogeneity of enzymatic or recombinant expression systems and are preferred for mechanistic studies, quantitative LC–MS workflows, and assay controls.

What is a PTM peptide?

A PTM peptide is a synthetic peptide containing a biologically relevant post-translational modification (e.g., phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation) installed at a defined site and stoichiometry.

How are PTM peptides different from conjugated peptides?

Chemical conjugations (dyes, biotin, PEG) are assay handles. PTMs are biological regulatory modifications used to mimic native signaling states.

Can you synthesize multi-PTM peptides?

Yes. We support site-defined multi-PTM peptides for crosstalk studies. Please specify exact PTM sites and states.

What should I include in a quote request?

Provide sequence (N→C), PTM site(s) and state(s), terminal format, purity/quantity, and intended application.

Do PTM peptides need special handling?

Some PTMs are labile. We provide handling guidance and stability-oriented formats when needed.

Contact & quote request

Send your sequence(s), PTM site(s), and specifications. We’ll respond with a synthesis plan and QC options aligned to your assay or MS workflow.

Request a quote for PTM peptide synthesis
  • Sequence (N→C) + PTM site(s) and state(s)
  • Terminal format (free vs capped; acid vs amide)
  • Purity/quantity targets
  • Use case (binding, enzyme assay, LC–MS/MS)

What happens next: Our technical team typically reviews requests within 1 business day and responds with feasibility notes, recommended chemistry/linker options, a QC plan, and pricing.

Fast quote checklist
  • Peptide sequence(s) + terminal state (free vs capped) and any Cys/handles
  • Payload name + structure (or catalog number) and known functional groups
  • Preferred chemistry (or “recommend”) and stoichiometry goal
  • Stable vs cleavable linker preference (if any)
  • Quantity (mg) + purity target + intended use

If you’re not sure which coupling is most robust, share the payload functional groups-our team will recommend a handle + linker plan to minimize heterogeneity and confirm identity by fit-for-purpose analytics.

Recommended reading

Peer-reviewed background on post-translational modifications and PTM peptide applications.

We can tailor a reading list to your PTM (phospho, glyco, acetyl, methyl, UBL) and assay type on request.

Why Choose Bio-Synthesis

Trusted by biotech leaders worldwide for over 40+ years of delivering high quality, fast and scalable synthetic biology solutions.