A truncation library is a set of shorter versions of one peptide. Instead of changing an amino acid, you remove residues from an end. This lets a study compare the original chain with shorter chains. Before requesting a quote, decide which end to shorten and how short the library should go.
Truncation is different from overlapping or alanine scanning
An overlapping library moves a fixed-length window along a longer sequence. An alanine scan replaces selected residues. A truncation library changes the chain’s length by removing end residues. JPT lists these as separate library designs. They answer different questions, so the order should name the design and include the actual sequences.
A 10-residue peptide can give six sequences in a one-end series
Imagine the teaching sequence ACDEFGHIKL, written from N to C. Keep its C-terminal end fixed and shorten only the N-terminal end, one residue at a time. If the shortest chain is five residues, your list is ACDEFGHIKL, CDEFGHIKL, DEFGHIKL, EFGHIKL, FGHIKL and GHIKL.
That is six sequences, including the original: 10 − 5 + 1 = 6. This is an invented planning example, not a validated experimental design or an NHD product specification.
Testing both ends gives 11 unique sequences in this example
Now add a separate series that keeps the N-terminal end fixed: ACDEFGHIKL, ACDEFGHIK, ACDEFGHI, ACDEFGH, ACDEFG and ACDEF. Each series contains six sequences, but the original appears in both. After removing that duplicate, there are 6 + 6 − 1 = 11 unique sequences.
This count covers two separate one-end series. It does not include every fragment made by shortening both ends at once. A different design, minimum length or step size changes the count. Always attach a final sequence list rather than relying on the phrase “both-end library.”
Keep the comparison clear
Specify the terminal groups for every sequence, including any acetylation or amidation. Removing residues changes molecular weight, so equal milligrams are not equal molar amounts. If your comparison needs equal molar quantities, say so and ask how those quantities will be established. Our equal mass versus equal molar guide walks through that issue.
Send NHD the sequence spreadsheet, minimum length, quantity per sequence and required documents. Use the custom synthesis inquiry to discuss feasibility. The example explains planning; it does not guarantee library production, activity or delivery time.
For laboratory research only. Not for human or veterinary use.
References
Sources & editorial method
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How to interpret this article
Examples are calculations, not NHD lot results. Confirm project feasibility and document availability.
Research-use boundary: Catalog materials discussed on this website are for laboratory research, development and manufacturing use only, not for human or veterinary use. This content is not medical advice and does not provide administration instructions.
Primary records and authoritative sources
- JPT: Peptide pooling and library serviceTechnical reference; numerical planning examples are original calculations.
