Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Improved Signal Processing for Mass Shifting Ions in Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry.

The quality of data in charge detection mass spectrometry depends on accurate determination of ion charge. While the method of selective temporal overview of resonant ions (STORI) has proven to be highly enabling for determining the charge of ions that survive for variable amounts of time, it assumes that the ion frequency exactly matches the frequency being used in the calculation. Any mismatches result in low charge estimates. To address this, the misSTORI method was developed to correct these discrepancies. This can significantly reduce the charge measurement errors for samples with unstable masses. As an example, the misSTORI approach can eliminate a 5.7% charge determination error for a VP3-only AAV capsid that shifts 25 ppm in mass.

Tandem mass spectrometry using continuous-wave infrared multiphoton dissociation in an electrostatic linear ion trap.

The electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) can be operated as a multi-reflection time-of-flight (MR-TOF) or Fourier transform (FT) mass analyzer. It has been shown to be capable of performing high-resolution mass analysis and high-resolution ion isolations. Although it has been used in charge-detection mass spectrometry (CDMS), it has not been widely used as a conventional mass spectrometer for ensemble measurements of ions, or for tandem mass spectrometer. The advantages of tandem mass spectrometer with high-resolution ion isolations in the ELIT have thus not been fully exploited. A homebuilt ELIT was modified with BaF2 viewports to facilitate transmission of a laser beam at the turnaround point of the second ion mirror in the ELIT. Fragmentation that occurs at the turnaround point of these ion mirrors should result in minimal energy partitioning due to the low kinetic energy of ions at these points. The laser was allowed to irradiate ions for a period of many oscillations in the ELIT. Due to the low energy absorption of gas-phase ions during each oscillation in the ELIT, fragmentation was found to occur over a range of oscillations in the ELIT generating a homogeneous ion beam. A mirror-switching pulse is shown to create time-varying perturbations in this beam that oscillate at the fragment ion characteristic frequencies and generate a time-domain signal. This was found to recover FT signal for protonated pYGGFL and pSGGFL precursor ions. Fragmentation at the turnaround point of an ELIT by continuous-wave infrared multiphoton dissociation (cw-IRMPD) is demonstrated. In cases where laser power absorption is low and fragmentation occurs over many laps, a mirror-switching pulse may be used to recover varying time-domain signal. The combination of laser activation at the turnaround points and mirror-switching isolation allows for tandem MS in the ELIT.

Recombinant AAV genome size effect on viral vector production, purification, and thermostability

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has shown great promise as a viral vector for gene therapy in clinical applications. This work studied the effect of the genome size on AAV production, purification, and thermostability by producing AAV2-GFP using suspension adapted HEK293 cells via triple transfection using AAV plasmids containing the same green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene with DNA stuffers for variable size AAV genomes consisting of 1.9, 3.4, and 4.9 kb (ITR to ITR). Production was performed at the small and large shake flask scales and the results showed that the 4.9 kb GFP genome had significantly reduced encapsidation compared to other genomes. The large shake flask productions were purified by AEX chromatography and the results suggest that the triple transfection condition significantly impacts the AEX retention time and resolution between the full and empty capsid peaks. Charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS) was performed on all AEX full capsid peak samples showing a wide distribution of empty, partial, full length, and co-packaged DNA in the capsids. The AEX purified samples were then analyzed by differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and the results suggest that sample formulation may improve the thermostability of AAV genome ejection melting temperature regardless of the packaged genome content.

Automated Mass Photometry of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors from Crude Cell Extracts.

Mass photometry (MP) is a fast and simple analysis method for the determination of the proportions of subpopulations in an AAV sample. It is label-free and requires minimal sample volumes between 5-10 µL, which makes it a promising candidate over orthogonal techniques such as analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) or charge-detection mass spectrometry (CDMS). However, these methods are limited in their application to purified samples only. Here we developed a purification step based on single-domain monospecific antibody fragments immobilised on either a poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) resin or on magnetic beads prior to MP analysis that allows the quantification of empty, partially filled, full and overfull AAV vectors in crude cell extracts. This is aimed at identifying potentially promising harvest conditions that yield large numbers of filled AAV vectors during the early stages of the viral vector development platform, e.g., the type of transfection reagent used. Furthermore, we provide a direct comparison of the automated and manual handling of the mass photometer with respect to the quantities of AAV subspecies, molar mass of the capsid and payload, and highlight the differences between the "buffer-free" sample measurement and the "buffer-dilution" mode. In addition, we provide information on which candidates to use for calibration and demonstrate the limitations of the mass photometer with respect to the estimation of the capsid titer.

Ion emission from 1-10 MDa salt clusters: individual charge state resolution with charge detection mass spectrometry.

Salt cluster ions produced by electrospray ionization are used for mass calibration and fundamental investigations into cluster stability and charge separation processes. However, previous studies have been limited to relatively small clusters owing to the heterogeneity associated with large, multiply-charged clusters that leads to unresolved signals in conventional m/z spectra. Here, charge detection mass spectrometry is used to measure both the mass and charge distributions of positively charged clusters of KCl, CaCl2, and LaCl3 with masses between ∼1 and 10 MDa by dynamically measuring the energy per charge, m/z, charge, and mass of simultaneously trapped individual ions throughout a 1 s trapping time. The extent of remaining hydration on the clusters, determined from the change in the frequency of ion motion with time as a result of residual water loss, follows the order KCl < CaCl2 < LaCl3, and is significantly lower than that of a pure water nanodrop, consistent with tighter water binding to the more highly charged cations in these clusters. The number of ion emission events from these clusters also follows this same trend, indicating that water at the cluster surface facilitates charge loss. A new frequency-based method to determine the magnitude of the charge loss resulting from individual ion emission events clearly resolves losses of +1 and +2 ions. Achieving this individual charge state resolution for ion emission events is an important advance in obtaining information about the late stages of bare gaseous ions formation. Future experiments on more hydrated clusters are expected to lead to a better understanding of ion formation in electrospray ionization.

Quantitative analysis of preferential utilization of AAV ITR as the packaging terminal signal.

Genetic engineering advances have led to recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) becoming an invaluable tool for the development of effective gene therapies. The production of rAAV is susceptible to off-target heterogeneous packaging, the effects of which are still being understood. Here, rAAV vectors with four-genome lengths were produced using both adherent and suspension HEK293 cells to understand the 5'ITR termination. AAV8 vectors were produced from the human FVIII plasmid for a full-length cargo of 4,707 nucleotides with specific truncations, creating smaller genomes. Conventionally, rAAV is characterized by differentiating empty capsids from full capsids, but for this work, that description is incomplete. The small genomes in this study were characterized by charge detection-mass spectrometry (CD-MS). Using CD-MS, packaged genomes in the range conventionally attributed to partials were resolved and quantified. In addition, alkaline gels and qPCR were used to assess the identity of the packaged genomes. Together, these results showed a propensity for unit-length genomes to be encapsidated. Packaged genomes occurred as replication intermediates emanating from the 5'ITR, indicating that HEK293 cells prefer unit-length genomes as opposed to the 5'ITR termination and heterogeneous DNA packaging observed previously from Sf9 cell systems. As both manufacturing processes are used and continually assessed to produce clinical material, such an understanding will benefit rAAV design for basic research and gene therapy.

Dissecting the Heterogeneous Glycan Profiles of Recombinant Coronavirus Spike Proteins with Individual Ion Mass Spectrometry.

Surface-embedded glycoproteins, such as the spike protein trimers of coronaviruses MERS, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, play a key role in viral function and are the target antigen for many vaccines. However, their significant glycan heterogeneity poses an analytical challenge. Here, we utilized individual ion mass spectrometry (I2MS), a multiplexed charge detection measurement with similarities to charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS), in which a commercially available Orbitrap analyzer is used to directly produce mass profiles of these heterogeneous coronavirus spike protein trimers under native-like conditions. Analysis by I2MS shows that glycosylation contributes to the molecular mass of each protein trimer more significantly than expected by bottom-up techniques, highlighting the importance of obtaining complementary intact mass information when characterizing glycosylation of such heterogeneous proteins. Enzymatic dissection to remove sialic acid or N-linked glycans demonstrates that I2MS can be used to better understand the glycan profile from a native viewpoint. Deglycosylation of N-glycans followed by I2MS analysis indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer contains glycans that are more difficult to remove than its MERS and SARS-CoV counterparts, and these differences are correlated with solvent accessibility. I2MS technology enables characterization of protein mass and intact glycan profile and is orthogonal to traditional mass analysis methods such as size exclusion chromatography-multiangle light scattering (SEC-MALS) and field flow fractionation-multiangle light scattering (FFF-MALS). An added advantage of I2MS is low sample use, requiring 100-fold less than other methodologies. This work highlights how I2MS technology can enable efficient development of vaccines and therapeutics for pharmaceutical development.

Characterizing Adeno-Associated Virus Capsids with Both Denaturing and Intact Analysis Methods.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids are among the leading gene delivery platforms used to treat a vast array of human diseases and conditions. AAVs exist in a variety of serotypes due to differences in viral protein (VP) sequences with distinct serotypes targeting specific cells and tissues. As the utility of AAVs in gene therapy increases, ensuring their specific composition is imperative for the correct targeting and gene delivery. From a quality control perspective, current analytical tools are limited in their selectivity for viral protein (VP) subunits due to their sequence similarities, instrumental difficulties in assessing the large molecular weights of intact capsids, and the uncertainty in distinguishing empty and filled capsids. To address these challenges, we combined two distinct analytical workflows that assess the intact capsids and VP subunits separately. First, a selective temporal overview of resonant ion (STORI)-based charge detection-mass spectrometry (CD-MS) was applied for characterization of the intact capsids. Liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) separations were then used for the capsid denaturing measurements. This multimethod combination was applied to three AAV serotypes (AAV2, AAV6, and AAV8) to evaluate their intact empty and filled capsid ratios and then examine the distinct VP sequences and modifications present.

Enhancement of recombinant adeno-associated virus activity by improved stoichiometry and homogeneity of capsid protein assembly

Studies of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) revealed the mixture of full particles with different densities in rAAV. There are no conclusive results because of the lack of quantitative stoichiometric viral proteins, encapsidated DNA, and particle level analyses. We report the first comprehensive characterization of low- and high-density rAAV serotype 2 particles. Capillary gel electrophoresis showed high-density particles possessing a designed DNA encapsidated in the capsid composed of (VP1+ VP2)/VP3= 0.27, whereas low-density particles have the same DNA but with a different capsid composition of (VP1+ VP2)/VP3= 0.31, supported by sedimentation velocity-analytical ultracentrifugation and charge detection-mass spectrometry. Invitro analysis demonstrated that the low-density particles had 8.9% higher transduction efficacy than that of the particles before fractionation. Further, based on our recent findings of VP3 clip, we created rAAV2 single amino acid variants of the transcription start methionine of VP3 (M203V) and VP3 clip (M211V). The rAAV2-M203V variant had homogeneous particles with higher (VP1+VP2)/VP3 values (0.35) and demonstrated 24.7% higher transduction efficacy compared with the wild type. This study successfully provided highly functional rAAV by the extensive fractionation from the mixture of rAAV2 full particles or by the single amino acid replacement.

Exploring Charge-Detection Mass Spectrometry on Chromatographic Time Scales.

Charge-detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) enables direct measurement of the charge of an ion alongside its mass-to-charge ratio. CDMS offers unique capabilities for the analysis of samples where isotopic resolution or the separation of charge states cannot be achieved, i.e., heterogeneous macromolecules or highly complex mixtures. CDMS is usually performed using static nano-electrospray ionization-based direct infusion with acquisition times in the range of several tens of minutes to hours. Whether CDMS analysis is also attainable on shorter time scales, e.g., comparable to chromatographic peak widths, has not yet been extensively investigated. In this contribution, we probed the compatibility of CDMS with online liquid chromatography interfacing. Size exclusion chromatography was coupled to CDMS for separation and mass determination of a mixture of transferrin and β-galactosidase. Molecular masses obtained were compared to results from mass spectrometry based on ion ensembles. A relationship between the number of CDMS spectra acquired and the achievable mass accuracy was established. Both proteins were found to be confidently identified using CDMS spectra obtained from a single chromatographic run when peak widths in the range of 1.4-2.5 min, translating to 140-180 spectra per protein were achieved. After demonstration of the proof of concept, the approach was tested for the characterization of the highly complex glycoprotein α-1-acid glycoprotein and the Fc-fusion protein etanercept. With chromatographic peak widths of approximately 3 min, translating to ∼200 spectra, both proteins were successfully identified, demonstrating applicability for samples of high inherent molecular complexity.

Combining Surface-Induced Dissociation and Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry to Reveal the Native Topology of Heterogeneous Protein Complexes.

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) enables the direct mass measurement of heterogeneous samples on the megadalton scale, as the charge state for a single ion is determined simultaneously with the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). Surface-induced dissociation (SID) is an effective activation method to dissociate non-intertwined, non-covalent protein complexes without extensive gas-phase restructuring, producing various subcomplexes reflective of the native protein topology. Here, we demonstrate that using CDMS after SID on an Orbitrap platform offers subunit connectivity, topology, proteoform information, and relative interfacial strengths of the intact macromolecular assemblies. SID dissects the capsids (∼3.7 MDa) of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) into trimer-containing fragments (3mer, 6mer, 9mer, 15mer, etc.) that can be detected by the individual ion mass spectrometry (I2MS) approach on Orbitrap instruments. SID coupled to CDMS provides unique structural insights into heterogeneous assemblies that are not readily obtained by traditional MS measurements.

CDMS Analysis of Intact 19S, 20S, 26S, and 30S Proteasomes: Evidence for Higher-Order 20S Assemblies at a Low pH†.

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) was examined as a means of studying proteasomes. To this end, the following masses of the 20S, 19S, 26S, and 30S proteasomes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) were measured: m(20S) = 738.8 ± 2.9 kDa, m(19S) = 926.2 ± 4.8 kDa, m(26S) = 1,637.0 ± 7.6 kDa, and m(30S) = 2,534.2 ± 10.8 kDa. Under some conditions, larger (20S)x (where x = 1 to ∼13) assemblies are observed; the 19S regulatory particle also oligomerizes, but to a lesser extent, forming (19S)x complexes (where x = 1 to 4, favoring the x = 3 trimer). The (20S)x oligomers are favored in vitro, as the pH of the solution is lowered (from 7.0 to 5.4, in a 20 mM ammonium acetate solution) and may be related to in vivo proteasome storage granules that are observed under carbon starvation. From measurements of m(20S)x (x = 1 to ∼13) species, it appears that each multimer retains all 28 proteins of the 20S complex subunit. Several types of structures that might explain the formation of (20S)x assemblies are considered. We stress that each structural type [hypothetical planar, raft-like geometries (where individual proteasomes associate through side-by-side interactions); elongated, rodlike geometries (where subunits are bound end-to-end); and geometries that are roughly spherical (arising from aggregation through nonspecific subunit interactions)] is highly speculative but still interesting to consider, and a short discussion is provided. The utility of CDMS for characterizing proteasomes and related oligomers is discussed.

Partial genome content within rAAVs impacts performance in a cell assay-dependent manner

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) deliver DNA to numerous cell types. However, packaging of partial genomes into the rAAV capsid is of concern. Although empty rAAV capsids are studied, there is little information regarding the impact of partial DNA content on rAAV performance in controlled studies. To address this, we tested vectors containing varying levels of partial, self-complementary EGFP genomes. Density gradient cesium chloride ultracentrifugation was used to isolate three distinct rAAV populations: (1) a lighter fraction, (2) a moderate fraction, and (3) a heavy fraction. Alkaline gels, Illumina Mi-Seq, size exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS), and charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS) were used to characterize the genome of each population and ddPCR to quantify residual DNA molecules. Live-cell imaging and EGFP ELISA assays demonstrated reduced expression following transduction with the light fraction compared with the moderate and heavy fractions. However, PCR-based assays showed that the light density delivered EGFP DNA to cells as efficiently as the moderate and heavy fractions. Mi-Seq data revealed an underrepresentation of the promoter region for EGFP, suggesting that expression of EGFP was reduced because of lack of regulatory control. This work demonstrates that rAAVs containing partial genomes contribute to the DNA signal but have reduced vector performance.

Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap Optimization Strategy for High Resolution Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry.

Single ion mass measurements allow mass distributions to be recorded for heterogeneous samples that cannot be analyzed by conventional mass spectrometry. In charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS), ions are detected using a conducting cylinder coupled to a charge sensitive amplifier. For optimum performance, the detection cylinder is embedded in an electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) where trapped ions oscillate between end-caps that act as opposing ion mirrors. The oscillating ions generate a periodic signal that is analyzed by fast Fourier transforms. The frequency yields the m/z, and the magnitude provides the charge. With a charge precision of 0.2 elementary charges, ions can be assigned to their correct charge states with a low error rate, and the m/z resolving power determines the mass resolving power. Previously, the best mass resolving power achieved with CD-MS was 300. We have recently increased the mass resolving power to 700, through the better optimization of the end-cap potentials. To make a more dramatic improvement in the m/z resolving power, it is necessary to find an ELIT geometry and end-cap potentials that can simultaneously make the ion oscillation frequency independent of both the ion energy and ion trajectory (angular divergence and radial offset) of the entering ion. We describe an optimization strategy that allows these conditions to be met while also adjusting the signal duty cycle to 50% to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio for the charge measurement. The optimized ELIT provides an m/z resolving power of over 300 000 in simulations. Coupled with the high precision charge determination available with CD-MS, this will yield a mass resolving power of 300 000. Such a high mass resolving power will be transformative for the analysis of heterogeneous samples.

Antibody Binding to Recombinant Adeno Associated Virus Monitored by Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a leading gene therapy vector. However, neutralizing antibodies reduce its efficacy. Traditional methods used to investigate antibody binding provide limited information. Here, charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS) was used to investigate the binding of monoclonal antibody ADK8 to AAV serotype 8 (AAV8). CD-MS provides a label-free approach to antibody binding. Individual binding events can be monitored as each event is indicated by a shift of the antibody-antigen complex to a higher mass. Unlike other methods, the CD-MS approach reveals the distribution of antibodies bound on capsids, allowing AAV8 subpopulations with different affinities to be identified. The charge state generated by the electrospray of large ions is normally correlated with the structure, and the charge is expected to increase when an antibody binds to the capsid exterior. Surprisingly, binding of the first ADK8 to AAV8 causes a substantial decrease in the charge, suggesting that the first antibody binding event causes a significant structural change. The charge increases for subsequent binding events. Finally, high ADK8 concentrations cause agglutination, where ADK8 links AAV capsids to form dimers and higher order multimers.

Quantification of Empty, Partially Filled and Full Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Using Mass Photometry.

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are one of the most commonly used vehicles in gene therapies for the treatment of rare diseases. During the AAV manufacturing process, particles with little or no genetic material are co-produced alongside the desired AAV capsid containing the transgene of interest. Because of the potential adverse health effects of these byproducts, they are considered impurities and need to be monitored carefully. To date, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and charge-detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) are used to quantify these subspecies. However, they are associated with long turnaround times, low sample throughput and complex data analysis. Mass photometry (MP) is a fast and label-free orthogonal technique which is applicable to multiple serotypes without the adaption of method parameters. Furthermore, it can be operated with capsid titers as low as 8 × 1010 cp mL-1 with a CV < 5% using just 10 µL total sample volume. Here we demonstrate that mass photometry can be used as an orthogonal method to AUC to accurately quantify the proportions of empty, partially filled, full and overfull particles in AAV samples, especially in cases where ion-exchange chromatography yields no separation of the populations. In addition, it can be used to confirm the molar mass of the packaged genomic material in filled AAV particles.

Dynamic Energy Measurements in Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry Eliminate Adverse Effects of Ion-Ion Interactions.

Ion-ion interactions in charge detection mass spectrometers that use electrostatic traps to measure masses of individual ions have not been reported previously, although ion trajectory simulations have shown that these types of interactions affect ion energies and thereby degrade measurement performance. Here, examples of interactions between simultaneously trapped ions that have masses ranging from ca. 2 to 350 MDa and ca. 100 to 1000 charges are studied in detail using a dynamic measurement method that makes it possible to track the evolution of the mass, charge, and energy of individual ions over their trapping lifetimes. Signals from ions that have similar oscillation frequencies can have overlapping spectral leakage artifacts that result in slightly increased uncertainties in the mass determination, but these effects can be mitigated by the careful choice of parameters used in the short-time Fourier transform analysis. Energy transfers between physically interacting ions are also observed and quantified with individual ion energy measurement resolution as high as ∼950. The mass and charge of interacting ions do not change, and their corresponding measurement uncertainties are equivalent to ions that do not undergo physical interactions. Simultaneous trapping of multiple ions in CDMS can greatly decrease the acquisition time necessary to accumulate a statistically meaningful number of individual ion measurements. These results demonstrate that while ion-ion interactions can occur when multiple ions are trapped, they have negligible effects on mass accuracy when using the dynamic measurement method.

Orbitrap-Based Mass and Charge Analysis of Single Molecules.

Native mass spectrometry is nowadays widely used for determining the mass of intact proteins and their noncovalent biomolecular assemblies. While this technology performs well in the mass determination of monodisperse protein assemblies, more real-life heterogeneous protein complexes can pose a significant challenge. Factors such as co-occurring stoichiometries, subcomplexes, and/or post-translational modifications, may especially hamper mass analysis by obfuscating the charge state inferencing that is fundamental to the technique. Moreover, these mass analyses typically require measurement of several million molecules to generate an analyzable mass spectrum, limiting its sensitivity. In 2012, we introduced an Orbitrap-based mass analyzer with extended mass range (EMR) and demonstrated that it could be used to obtain not only high-resolution mass spectra of large protein macromolecular assemblies, but we also showed that single ions generated from these assemblies provided sufficient image current to induce a measurable charge-related signal. Based on these observations, we and others further optimized the experimental conditions necessary for single ion measurements, which led in 2020 to the introduction of single-molecule Orbitrap-based charge detection mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-based CDMS). The introduction of these single molecule approaches has led to the fruition of various innovative lines of research. For example, tracking the behavior of individual macromolecular ions inside the Orbitrap mass analyzer provides unique, fundamental insights into mechanisms of ion dephasing and demonstrated the (astonishingly high) stability of high mass ions. Such fundamental information will help to further optimize the Orbitrap mass analyzer. As another example, the circumvention of traditional charge state inferencing enables Orbitrap-based CDMS to extract mass information from even extremely heterogeneous proteins and protein assemblies (e.g., glycoprotein assemblies, cargo-containing nanoparticles) via single molecule detection, reaching beyond the capabilities of earlier approaches. We so far demonstrated the power of Orbitrap-based CDMS applied to a variety of fascinating systems, assessing for instance the cargo load of recombinant AAV-based gene delivery vectors, the buildup of immune-complexes involved in complement activation, and quite accurate masses of highly glycosylated proteins, such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer proteins. With such widespread applications, the next objective is to make Orbitrap-based CDMS more mainstream, whereby we still will seek to further advance the boundaries in sensitivity and mass resolving power.

Single-molecule mass measurements

For large molecules and complex mixtures, conventional mass spectra can become too complicated to interpret. New technologies including various forms of charge-detection mass spectrometry, mass photometry, and nanoelectromechanical systems are allowing researchers to ditch the complexity and measure the mass of individual molecules, complexes, and particles. Read on to learn how these technologies work and how researchers are using them. At the University of Oxford, Justin Benesch studies assemblies made between proteins called molecular chaperones and the proteins they protect in cells. These assemblies slow the formation of amyloid fibers, elongated protein structures that are a major component of cataracts and are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Such protein complexes and fibers exist not in single oligomeric states but as complex mixtures. As a mass spectrometrist studying biological systems, Benesch has long relied on native mass spectrometry—an approach that lets him look at proteins and protein complexes in their native, rather

Analysis of Megadalton-Sized DNA by Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry: Entropic Trapping and Shearing in Nanoelectrospray.

The analysis of nucleic acids by conventional mass spectrometry is complicated by counter ions which cause mass heterogeneity and limit the size of the DNA that can be analyzed. In this work, we overcome this limitation using charge detection mass spectrometry to analyze megadalton-sized DNA. Using positive mode electrospray, we find two dramatically different charge distributions for DNA plasmids. A low charge population that charges like compact DNA origami and a much higher charge population, with charges that extend over a broad range. For the high-charge population, the deviation between the measured mass and mass expected from the DNA sequence is consistently around 1%. For the low-charge population, the deviation is larger and more variable. The high-charge population is attributed to the supercoiled plasmid in a random coil configuration, with the broad charge distribution resulting from the rich variety of geometries the random coil can adopt. High-resolution measurements show that the mass distribution shifts to slightly lower mass with increasing charge. The low-charge population is attributed to a condensed form of the plasmid. We suggest that the condensed form results from entropic trapping where the random coil must undergo a geometry change to squeeze through the Taylor cone and enter an electrospray droplet. For the larger plasmids, shearing (mechanical breakup) occurs during electrospray or in the electrospray interface. Shearing is reduced by lowering the salt concentration.