Pathways of peptide ion fragmentation induced by vacuum ultraviolet light

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2005 Aug;16(8):1384-98. doi: 10.1016/j.jasms.2005.03.050.

Abstract

One Hundred Fifty-Seven nm photodissociation of singly protonated peptides generates unusual distributions of fragment ions. When the charge is localized at the C-terminus of the peptide, spectra are dominated by x-, v-, and w-type fragments. When it is sequestered at the N-terminus, a- and d-type ions are overwhelmingly abundant. Evidence is presented suggesting that the fragmentation occurs via photolytic radical cleavage of the peptide backbone at the bond between the alpha- and carbonyl-carbons followed by radical elimination to form the observed daughter ions.

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.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arginine / chemistry
  • Lysine / chemistry
  • Peptides / analysis*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Proteomics / instrumentation
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / instrumentation
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • Vacuum

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Arginine
  • Lysine