Online Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for Top-Down Proteomics.

Recent progress in top-down proteomics has led to a demand for mass spectrometry (MS)-compatible chromatography techniques to separate intact proteins using volatile mobile phases. Conventional hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) provides high-resolution separation of proteins under nondenaturing conditions but requires high concentrations of nonvolatile salts. Herein, we introduce a series of more-hydrophobic HIC materials that can retain proteins using MS-compatible concentrations of ammonium acetate.

MASH Suite Pro: A Comprehensive Software Tool for Top-Down Proteomics.

Top-down mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is arguably a disruptive technology for the comprehensive analysis of all proteoforms arising from genetic variation, alternative splicing, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs). However, the complexity of top-down high-resolution mass spectra presents a significant challenge for data analysis. In contrast to the well-developed software packages available for data analysis in bottom-up proteomics, the data analysis tools in top-down proteomics remain underdeveloped.

Three dimensional liquid chromatography coupling ion exchange chromatography/hydrophobic interaction chromatography/reverse phase chromatography for effective protein separation in top-down proteomics.

To address the complexity of the proteome in mass spectrometry (MS)-based top-down proteomics, multidimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC) strategies that can effectively separate proteins with high resolution and automation are highly desirable. Although various MDLC methods that can effectively separate peptides from protein digests exist, very few MDLC strategies, primarily consisting of 2DLC, are available for intact protein separation, which is insufficient to address the complexity of the proteome. We recently demonstrated that hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) utilizing a MS-compatible salt can provide high resolution separation of intact proteins for top-down proteomics.

Specific enrichment of phosphoproteins using functionalized multivalent nanoparticles.

Analysis of protein phosphorylation remains a significant challenge due to the low abundance of phosphoproteins and the low stoichiometry of phosphorylation, which requires effective enrichment of phosphoproteins. Here we have developed superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) whose surface is functionalized by multivalent ligand molecules that specifically bind to the phosphate groups on any phosphoproteins. These NPs enrich phosphoproteins from complex cell and tissue lysates with high specificity as confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis with a phosphoprotein-specific stain and mass spectrometry analysis of the enriched phosphoproteins.

Top-down proteomics reveals concerted reductions in myofilament and Z-disc protein phosphorylation after acute myocardial infarction.

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is most often precipitated by myocardial infarction. However, the molecular changes driving cardiac dysfunction immediately after myocardial infarction remain poorly understood. Myofilament proteins, responsible for cardiac contraction and relaxation, play critical roles in signal reception and transduction in HF.

Effective protein separation by coupling hydrophobic interaction and reverse phase chromatography for top-down proteomics.

One of the challenges in proteomics is the proteome's complexity, which necessitates the fractionation of proteins prior to the mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Despite recent advances in top-down proteomics, separation of intact proteins remains challenging. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) appears to be a promising method that provides high-resolution separation of intact proteins, but unfortunately the salts conventionally used for HIC are incompatible with MS.

Artifacts induced by selective blanking of time-domain data in Fourier transform mass spectrometry.

Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) of the isolated isotopic distribution for a highly charged biomolecule produces time-domain signal containing large amplitude signal "beats" separated by extended periods of much lower signal magnitude. Signal-to-noise ratio for data sampled between beats is low because of destructive interference of the signals induced by members of the isotopic distribution. Selective blanking of the data between beats has been used to increase spectral signal-to-noise ratio.

Top-down structural analysis of an intact monoclonal antibody by electron capture dissociation-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry.

Top-down electron capture dissociation (ECD) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry was performed for structural analysis of an intact monoclonal antibody (IgG1kappa (κ) isotype, ~148 kDa). Simultaneous ECD for all charge states (42+ to 58+) generates more extensive cleavages than ECD for an isolated single charge state. The cleavages are mainly localized in the variable domains of both heavy and light chains, the respective regions between the variable and constant domains in both chains, the region between heavy-chain constant domains CH2 and CH3, and the disulfide bond (S-S)-linked heavy-chain constant domain CH3.

Polar aprotic modifiers for chromatographic separation and back-exchange reduction for protein hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by mass spectrometry is an important non-perturbing tool to study protein structure and protein–protein interactions. However, water in the reversed-phase liquid chromatography mobile phase leads to back-exchange of D for H during chromatographic separation of proteolytic peptides following H/D exchange, resulting in incorrect identification of fast-exchanging hydrogens as unexchanged hydrogens. Previously, fast high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and supercritical fluid chromatography have been shown to decrease back-exchange.

Unit mass baseline resolution for an intact 148 kDa therapeutic monoclonal antibody by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS) provides the highest mass resolving power and mass measurement accuracy for unambiguous identification of biomolecules. Previously, the highest-mass protein for which FTICR unit mass resolution had been obtained was 115 kDa at 7 T. Here, we present baseline resolution for an intact 147.

New reagents for enhanced liquid chromatographic separation and charging of intact protein ions for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Electrospray ionization produces multiply charged ions, thereby lowering the mass-to-charge ratio for peptides and small proteins to a range readily accessed by quadrupole ion trap, orbitrap, and ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass analyzers (m/z = 400-2000). For Fourier transform mass analyzers (orbitrap and ICR), higher charge also improves signal-to-noise ratio, mass resolution, and mass accuracy. Addition of m-nitrobenzyl alcohol (m-NBA) or sulfolane has previously been shown to increase the charge states of proteins.