Positional scanning substrate combinatorial library (PS-SCL) approach to define caspase substrate specificity.

Positional scanning substrate combinatorial library (PS-SCL) is a powerful tool for studying substrate specificity of proteolytic enzymes. Here, we describe the protocol for analyzing S4-S2 pockets preferences of caspases using PS-SCL. Additionally, we describe procedures for the identification of optimal substrates sequence after PS-SCL, solid phase synthesis, and purification of selected fluorogenic substrates, as well as their kinetic analysis.