Ion mobility analysis of molecular dynamics

Annu Rev Phys Chem. 2014:65:175-96. doi: 10.1146/annurev-physchem-040513-103644. Epub 2013 Dec 9.

Abstract

The combination of mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) employing a temperature-variable drift cell or a drift tube divided into sections to make IMS-IMS experiments possible allows information to be obtained about the molecular dynamics of polyatomic ions in the absence of a solvent. The experiments allow the investigation of structural changes of both activated and native ion populations on a timescale of 1-100 ms. Five different systems representing small and large, polar and nonpolar molecules, as well as noncovalent assemblies, are discussed in detail: a dinucleotide, a sodiated polyethylene glycol chain, the peptide bradykinin, the protein ubiquitin, and two types of peptide oligomers. Barriers to conformational interconversion can be obtained in favorable cases. In other cases, solution-like native structures can be observed, but care must be taken in the experimental protocols. The power of theoretical modeling is demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Ions
  • Peptides
  • Polymers
  • Proteins