Discovery of Potent Charge-Reducing Molecules for Native Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Studies

Anal Chem. 2020 Aug 18;92(16):11242-11249. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01826. Epub 2020 Jul 31.

Abstract

There is growing interest in the characterization of protein complexes and their interactions with ligands using native ion mobility mass spectrometry. A particular challenge, especially for membrane proteins, is preserving noncovalent interactions and maintaining native-like structures. Different approaches have been developed to minimize activation of protein complexes by manipulating charge on protein complexes in solution and the gas-phase. Here, we report the utility of polyamines that have exceptionally high charge-reducing potencies with some molecules requiring 5-fold less than trimethylamine oxide to elicit the same effect. The charge-reducing molecules do not adduct to membrane protein complexes and are also compatible with ion-mobility mass spectrometry, paving the way for improved methods of charge reduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cation Transport Proteins / analysis*
  • Cation Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / analysis*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism
  • Histamine / chemistry*
  • Histamine / metabolism
  • Ligands
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Methylamines / chemistry*
  • Methylamines / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Spermidine / chemistry*
  • Spermidine / metabolism
  • Spermine / chemistry*
  • Spermine / metabolism
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • AmtB protein, E coli
  • Cation Transport Proteins
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Methylamines
  • Spermine
  • Histamine
  • trimethyloxamine
  • Spermidine