Integrating top-down mass spectrometry and single-molecule sequencing for proteoform analysis

Given the numerous sources of protein variation, ranging from biological factors to sample preparation and instrument settings, there is a pressing need for next-generation analytical platforms capable of driving proteoform analysis with complete molecular precision.

In this webinar, Dr. Michael Caldwell, Scientific Officer at Northwestern Proteomics Center of Excellence, will explore top-down mass spectrometry (TD-MS) and Platinum®. Platinum is a benchtop platform that provides single amino acid resolution of single protein molecules to characterize IL-6, including pyroglutamate (pE), a post-translational modification (PTM) produced via enzymatic and spontaneous cyclization of N-terminal glutamine (Q)/glutamate (E) residues.

Find out how TD-MS enables intact protein analysis, limiting formation of N-terminal Q/E (MS1). During MS2, analysis of daughter ions reveals modifications and artifactual formation. Platinum employs dye-labeled N-terminal amino acid recognizers that reveal primary structure and variants, and aminopeptidases that expose the next amino acid for recognition until the peptide is sequenced. TD-MS and Platinum detect not only functionally relevant regions of IL-6 primary structure, but also sites prone to pE formation.

Key learning objectives

• Learn how TD-MS and Next-Generation Protein Sequencing can be used as complementary platforms for protein analysis

• Find out more about bridging discovery and targeted protein analysis with different instruments and detection methods

• Discover how TD-MS distinguishes native and artifactual proteoforms

Who should attend?

• Protein specialists, mass spectrometrists, synthetic biologists, protein engineers, and technology innovators.

Presenter: Michael Caldwell, PhD (Scientific Officer, Northwestern Proteomics Center of Excellence)

Dr. Michael Caldwell is the Scientific Officer at the Proteomics Center of Excellence (PCE) at Northwestern University, a leading laboratory for proteoform characterization and top-down mass spectrometry. In this role, he oversees development and applications of top-down, bottom-up, and ‘next-generation’ technologies for proteoform characterization with the goal of unlocking the role of proteoforms in human health and disease and bringing about a ‘Human Genome Project for Proteins’ with proteoform precision.

Presenter: Carrie Haslam (Associate Editor, SelectScience)