Briefings in Functional Genomics and Proteomics Advance Access originally published online on May 18, 2006
Briefings in Functional Genomics and Proteomics 2006 5(2):98-111; doi:10.1093/bfgp/ell023
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Special Issue Papers |
Developments in mass spectrometry for the analysis of complex protein mixtures
Corresponding author. W. Hayes McDonald, Chemical Sciences Division, 4500S S-122, MS-6131, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA. Tel: +1 865 576 8772, Fax: +1 865 576 8559.
State-of-the-art proteomics workflows involve multiple interdependent steps: sample preparation, proteinpeptide separation, mass spectrometry and data analysis. While improvements in any of these steps can increase the depth and breadth of analysis, advances in mass spectrometry have catalysed many of the most important developments. We discuss common classes of mass analysers and how these analysers are put together to produce some of the most popular mass spectrometry platforms. The capabilities of these platforms determine how they can be used in a variety of common proteomic strategies and, in turn, what types of biological questions can be addressed. Moving forward, powerful new hybrid mass spectrometers and application of emerging types of tandem mass spectrometry promise that our ability to analyse complex mixtures of proteins will continue to advance.
Keywords: proteomics, technologies, mass spectrometers, tandem mass spectrometry