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Crosslinking Mass Spectrometry
Understanding protein interactions
Crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) analyzes protein-protein interactions that are “locked in place” to better understand how proteins affect biological processes such as signaling cascades, gene upregulation, and energy (ATP) production. A majority of protein functions are determined by their interactions with other proteins and cellular components such as nucleic and fatty acids. It is via such interactions that biological processes commence, conclude, and change.
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NuXL is now available in Proteome Discoverer software!
NuXL, a novel tool for protein-RNA and DNA cross-linking studies, supports a range of cross-linking protocols, including standard UV-crosslinking, nucleotide analogs, and chemical crosslinkers. Simplify TMT and label-free quantification of crosslinked peptides in the Proteome Discoverer software node.
On-demand webinar: Mass spectrometry for 3D structural determination with cryo-electron microscopy
Dr. Florian Stengel, University of Konstanz, Dr. Henning Urlaub, Max Planck Institute/University Medicine Göttingen and Dr. Christian Dienemann, Max Planck
This webinar will highlight how MS technique such as XL-MS along with cryo-EM work together to advance structural biology.
Studying protein function through interaction
Crosslinking mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful technique for examining protein-protein interaction. Cross linking for protein-protein interaction studies enable visualization of the interacting regions by letting researchers create distant maps within protein complexes or individual proteins. XL-MS can be used in parallel with high resolution techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) or X-ray crystallography to obtain structural information. Crosslinking experiments provide distance constraints between regions within the protein creating low resolution three-dimensional structure information or general topology of the protein structure. For protein complexes XL-MS can also be used to determine organization of protein complexes.
Crosslinking mass spectrometry workflow
During the process of crosslinking, chemical crosslinkers are used to chemically join components of interacting complexes. This is followed by liquid chromatography (LC) separation and identification by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. This workflow enables the study of protein-protein interactions by maintaining the original interacting complexes.
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Recommended products for crosslinking mass spectrometry
The new standard in nano-, capillary-, and micro-flow liquid chromatography
Designed for researchers pursuing their next scientific breakthrough, the Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC System is ideal for LC-MS applications in proteomics, precision medicine, translational research, and more. Combine with Thermo Scientific PepMap Neo nano-flow LC columns for unmatched efficiency and robust performance for shallow gradients, high-throughput applications, and everything in between.
Go beyond today's discovery
Today’s cutting-edge research pushes LC-MS to its limits. Obtaining high confidence insights to enable accurate resolution of subtle differences and avoid costly dead-ends is needed faster than ever before. The Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometer surpasses these limits with new innovations that deliver the ultimate flexibility to expand experimental scope, and with built-in intelligence to ensure the highest data quality and confidence. One system provides maximum insights, so you productively go beyond today’s discovery.
Powerful crosslinking data analysis
Thermo Scientific Proteome Discoverer Software offers a powerful means for analyzing crosslinking data: The new XlinkX node within the software features a fully integrated crosslink peptide search engine for crosslinking MS analysis. This node enables crosslinked peptide annotation with assignment of inter- and intra-crosslinked peptides and mono-adducts. It is also compatible with non-cleavable and MS-cleavable crosslinkers.
Featured video: Crosslinking mass spectrometry
Fan Liu, PhD, Utrecht University, describes the use of crosslinking mass spectrometry and how it aids in the understanding of protein complexes. A recently developed novel search engine (XlinkX) for cross linking analysis, enabling analysts to search any database of unlimited database size, is also discussed, underscoring that crucial information of the structure and biology of many protein complexes is now within reach.
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