Native mass spectrometry: a bridge between interactomics and structural biology

Nat Methods. 2008 Nov;5(11):927-33. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.1265.

Abstract

Native mass spectrometry is an emerging technology that allows the topological investigation of intact protein complexes with high sensitivity and a theoretically unrestricted mass range. This unique tool provides complementary information to established technologies in structural biology, and also provides a link to high-throughput interactomics studies, which do not generate information on exact protein complex-composition, structure or dynamics. Here I review the current state of native mass spectrometry technology and discuss several important biological applications. I also describe current experimental challenges in native mass spectrometry, encouraging readers to contribute to solutions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biochemistry / methods
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Molecular Biology / methods*
  • Protein Binding
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Proteins