What symbols are used for amino acids in a sequence listing?

What symbols are used for amino acids in a sequence listing?

In a sequence listing, amino acids are represented using specific symbols as defined by WIPO Standard ST.25. According to MPEP 2423.01:

“The amino acids in a protein or peptide sequence must be represented using the three-letter abbreviation with the first letter as a capital.”

Here are some key points about amino acid symbols in sequence listings:

• Use three-letter abbreviations (e.g., Ala for Alanine, Lys for Lysine)
• The first letter of each abbreviation must be capitalized
• Unknown or modified amino acids are represented by “Xaa”
• Termination codons are represented by “***”

It’s important to use these standardized symbols to ensure clarity and consistency in sequence listings across patent applications.

To learn more:

• amino acids
• sequence listing
• protein sequences
• peptide sequences
• WIPO Standard ST.25