Detection of M-Protein in Acetonitrile Precipitates of Serum Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry: A Novel Methodology

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) and plasmacytoma(s) belong to a group of clonal plasma cell dyscrasias. In 97-98% of all cases, they are characterised by the detection of a monoclonal protein (M-protein) in the blood, and sometimes in the urine. MALDI-TOF-mass spectrometry (MS) has demonstrated excellent analytical sensitivity for the screening and detection of M-protein. We present the results of a novel methodology for M-protein analysis by MALDI-TOF MS. Patients and Methods: Blood samples from patients and controls were collected after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval. The work was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki after obtaining written informed consent. Patients with confirmed multiple myeloma or plasmacytoma and M-protein detected by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE), and serum free light chains (FLC) were included for MALDI-TOF MS analysis. IFE and FLC analysis were sent to independent laboratories for external validation of the MALDI-TOF MS results. Reagent-based extraction The serum fraction was separated from whole blood by centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 15 minutes and stored at -80oC until further analysis. Twenty-five μL of the serum sample was mixed with 50% acetonitrile (ACN) to form a precipitate. After precipitation and incubation, the mixture was centrifuged. The protein precipitate was washed with 20% ACN. After centrifugation, the supernatant was discarded, and the precipitate was reconstituted in a buffer comprising 10% formic acid (FA) and 50 mmol/L tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP). The MALDI-TOF MS results were validated using immunoenrichment by anti-kappa (κ) and anti-lambda (λ) biotin-labelled antibodies immobilised on streptavidin magnetic beads. MALDI-TOF MS measurements were obtained for intact proteins using alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid as a matrix. The images obtained were overlaid on apparently healthy serum samples to confirm the presence of M-protein. The samples were then analysed using UltraflexTM LT, Bruker MALDI/TOF-TOF mass spectrometer. The mass spectra for each sample was exported to FlexAnalysis 3.3 (Bruker Daltonics) and background subtracted. A sample was considered positive for M-protein if there was a sharp or broad peak within the κ or λ mass/charge (m/z) range- κ m/z- [M+2H]2+: 11550-12300 Da; [M+H]+: 23100-24600 Da), and λ m/z- [M+2H]2+: 11100-11500 Da; [M+H]+: 22200-23100 Da. All the images were acquired at a m/z range of 10000-29000 Da. Mass measurement was analysed with a summation of 500-5000 shots depending on the intensity of the M-peak. Results: Twenty-seven patient samples: 24- multiple myeloma, and 3- plasmacytoma with an M-protein identified by other biochemical tests, were chosen for ACN precipitation and analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. The median age was 62 years (range:44-72); males-12 (44%). A mass spectrometrist, S.J was blinded to the IFE and FLC results- blinded analyst. N.M was the unblinded analyst. Neat sample (without dilution) was spotted on the MALDI plate for all the control and patient samples. The Gaussian distribution of κ and λ light chains were obtained by analysing 20 serum samples of apparently healthy blood donors. All the 27 samples (100%) with M-protein confirmed by the other biochemical techniques, demonstrated a peak suggestive of M-protein with mass/charge (m/z) falling within the κ or λ range on MALDI-TOF MS: 24 patients with κ peak, and 3 with λ peak. (Fig. 1a and 1b) Immunoenrichment was performed on two samples- 1 with κ peak, and the other with λ peak, analysed by MALDI-TOF-MS by ACN precipitation. The mass spectra by immunoenrichment and ACN precipitation were found to be identical with the light chain m/z falling within their respective range. (Fig. 2 and 3) Three samples were labelled as confounders due to low peak intensity. However, their peaks matched their corresponding IFE and FLC reports. Concordance between MALDI-TOF MS and IFE was observed in 21/23 patients (91%); concordance between MALDI-TOF MS and FLC was observed in 23/24 patients (96%). Conclusions: We report the results of a low-cost, reagent-based extraction process using ACN precipitation to enrich for κ and λ light chains, which can be used for screening and for qualitative analysis of M-protein. Further studies are required to identify the immunoglobulin isotype, and to quantify the M-protein by this methodology. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Detection of M-Protein in Acetonitrile Precipitates of Serum using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

10.1101/2020.03.13.990192 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nikita Mehra ◽

Gopal Gopisetty ◽

S Jayavelu ◽

Rajamanickam Arivazhagan ◽

Shirley Sundersingh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Extraction Process ◽

M Protein ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Maldi Tof Ms ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Chain Analysis ◽

Immunofixation Electrophoresis ◽

Tof Ms

AbstractPurpose of the researchMultiple myeloma and plasmacytomas belong to a group of disorders, namely plasma cell dyscrasias and are identified by the presence of a monoclonal protein (M-protein). MALDI-TOF-mass spectrometry (MS) has demonstrated superior analytical sensitivity for the detection of M-protein and is now used for screening of M-protein at some centres. We present the results of an alternative methodology for M-protein analysis by MALDI-TOF MS.MethodsSerum samples from patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma or plasmacytoma with positive M-protein detected by serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation electrophoresis and serum free light chain analysis, underwent direct reagent-based extraction process using Acetonitrile (ACN) precipitation. Serum κ and λ light chains were validated using immunoenrichment by anti- κ and anti- λ biotin-labelled antibodies immobilised on streptavidin magnetic beads. MALDI-TOF MS measurements were obtained for intact proteins using alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid as matrix. The images obtained were overlaid on apparently healthy donor serum samples to confirm the presence of M-protein.Principle resultsCharacteristic M-protein peaks were observed in the ACN precipitates of serum in the predicted mass ranges for κ and λ. The κ and λ peaks were confirmed by immunoenrichment analysis. Twenty-seven patient samples with either newly diagnosed multiple myeloma or plasmacytoma with monoclonal gammopathy detected by the standard methods were chosen for Acetonitrile precipitation and analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. All 27 patient samples demonstrated a peak suggestive of M-protein with mass/charge (m/z) falling within the κ and λ range. The concordance rate with serum immunofixation electrophoresis and free light chain analysis was above 90%.Major conclusionsWe report the results of a low-cost reagent-based extraction process using Acetonitrile precipitation to enrich for κ and λ light chains, which can be used for the screening and qualitative analysis of M-protein.

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MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry in Serum for the Follow-up of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Daratumumab-Based Combination Therapy

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-128938 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 4377-4377

Author(s):

Marion Eveillard ◽

Malin Hultcrantz ◽

Alexander M. Lesokhin ◽

Sham Mailankody ◽

Eric L Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

M Protein ◽

Light Chains ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Maldi Tof Ms ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Tof Ms

Introduction Mass spectrometry-based methods have been shown to be more sensitive for detecting monoclonal proteins (M-protein) in serum compared to current electrophoretic techniques, serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation (IFE). In particular, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) may soon replace these techniques for the routine monitoring of multiple myeloma (MM) patients due to its relatively low cost and high throughput. In this study, we evaluate the performance of MALDI-TOF MS in the follow up of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients treated with a daratumumab-based combination therapy. We report our findings compared to SPEP and IFE results and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the technique in the serial analysis of patients. Patients and Methods Twenty-seven NDMM patients treated with daratumumab-based combination therapy were included in this study; median age 57 years (range 33-79 years) and 52% were males. Each patient had 10 time points of follow-up: baseline, day 15 of cycle 1, the first day of each cycle from cycle 2 to cycle 8, and at the end of treatment (EOT). All samples were analyzed in a blinded fashion by MALDI-TOF MS. First, immunoglobulins were purified from serum using magnetic beads specific for IgG and IgA heavy chains or kappa and lambda light chains. Immunoglobulins were eluted from the beads and the light chains and heavy chains were separated by adding a reducing agent. Purified samples were analyzed using a Microflex LT MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer (Bruker). Samples taken at baseline were used to identify the mass to charge ratio (m/z) of the M-protein which served as a surrogate marker in the analysis of subsequent samples. MALDI-TOF MS results were compared to SPEP, IFE and the kappa/lambda free light chain (κ/λ) ratio. Results At baseline, IFE and MALDI-TOF MS were positive for all 27 patients while SPEP was negative for M-protein in 2 patients. Different M-protein isotypes were observed including 3 free kappa, 1 free lambda, 15 IgG kappa, 3 IgG Lambda, 3 IgA kappa and 2 IgA lambda. The κ/λ ratio was abnormal for 26/27 patients. Twenty-three patients completed the 8 cycles of treatment. During the follow-up, 14 of the 23 patients remained positive until the EOT by MALDI-TOF MS. Regarding these patients, 3 were negative by SPEP and IFE at the EOT. Nine of the 23 patients became negative by MALDI-TOF MS in a median time of 5 cycles (range 2- 8). Among these 9 patients, 1 reached a complete response (CR) and 6 reached stringent CR in a median time of 3 cycles (range cycle 2 - EOT). The 2 patients that did not reach CR but were negative by MALDI are suspected to have a false positive IFE result. These patients' IgG kappa M-protein overlaps with daratumumab on IFE and the Hydrashift assay (Sebia) was unavailable at the time of analysis. In these cases, MALDI provided better specificity compared to IFE as the M-protein could be distinguished from daratumumab based on m/z. However, daratumumab could not always be distinguished from the M-protein at some timepoints for some patients. The patient that still had an abnormal κ/λ ratio but was negative by MALDI had κ light chain MM. MALDI-TOF MS may be less sensitive for the detection of free light chains in serum. We observed differences between the M-spike intensity of the heavy- and light-chain specific purifications especially when the M-protein was at low levels. This may be due to differences in the polyclonal background for each purification reaction and will affect the sensitivity of M-protein detection. Conclusions This study is important because it helps to understand the performance of MALDI-TOF MS in the follow-up of MM patients under therapy. The use of serial samples allowed us to characterize patterns of immune markers longitudinally in relation to given therapy. The m/z ratio at baseline is a key for the interpretation during the follow-up and to avoid interference with other monoclonal immunoglobulins, like daratumumab, for example. When more than one monoclonal immunoglobulin is present, their relative concentration, not just their m/z values, is important for distinguishing two different peaks. MALDI-TOF MS is useful for monitoring patients under therapy because it provides higher specificity and sensitivity than electrophoretic methods. This may be especially important in clinical trials and in accurately defining CR and sCR. Disclosures Lesokhin: BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; GenMab: Consultancy, Honoraria; Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genentech: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Serametrix Inc.: Patents & Royalties; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria. Mailankody:Takeda Oncology: Research Funding; CME activity by Physician Education Resource: Honoraria; Juno: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Smith:Celgene: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Fate Therapeutics and Precision Biosciences: Consultancy. Hassoun:Janssen: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding. Landgren:Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Theradex: Other: IDMC; Merck: Other: IDMC; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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Automation and validation of a MALDI-TOF MS (Mass-Fix) replacement of immunofixation electrophoresis in the clinical lab

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) ◽

10.1515/cclm-2020-0581 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 59 (1) ◽

pp. 155-163

Author(s):

Mindy Kohlhagen ◽

Surendra Dasari ◽

Maria Willrich ◽

MeLea Hetrick ◽

Brian Netzel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Limit Of Detection ◽

Turnaround Time ◽

Automated System ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Maldi Tof Ms ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Automated Method ◽

Positive Specimen ◽

Specimen Identification ◽

Tof Ms

AbstractObjectivesA matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method (Mass-Fix) as a replacement for gel-based immunofixation (IFE) has been recently described. To utilize Mass-Fix clinically, a validated automated method was required. Our aim was to automate the pre-analytical processing, improve positive specimen identification and ergonomics, reduce paper data storage and increase resource utilization without increasing turnaround time.MethodsSerum samples were batched and loaded onto a liquid handler along with reagents and a barcoded sample plate. The pre-analytical steps included: (1) Plating immunopurification beads. (2) Adding 10 μl of serum. (3) Bead washing. (4) Eluting the immunoglobulins (Igs), and reducing to separate the heavy and light Ig chains. The resulting plate was transferred to a second low-volume liquid handler for MALDI plate spotting. MALDI-TOF mass spectra were collected. Integrated in-house developed software was utilized for sample tracking, driving data acquisition, data analysis, history tracking, and result reporting. A total of 1,029 residual serum samples were run using the automated system and results were compared to prior electrophoretic results.ResultsThe automated Mass-Fix method was capable of meeting the validation requirements of concordance with IFE, limit of detection (LOD), sample stability and reproducibility with a low repeat rate. Automation and integrated software allowed a single user to process 320 samples in an 8 h shift. Software display facilitated identification of monoclonal proteins. Additionally, the process maintains positive specimen identification, reduces manual pipetting, allows for paper free tracking, and does not significantly impact turnaround time (TAT).ConclusionsMass-Fix is ready for implementation in a high-throughput clinical laboratory.

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Development and Validation of an in-House Library of Colombian Candida auris Strains with MALDI-TOF MS to Improve Yeast Identification

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof6020072 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 72 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andrés Ceballos-Garzon ◽

Daniela Amado ◽

Norida Vélez ◽

María José Jiménez-A ◽

Crescencio Rodríguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectra ◽

Candida Auris ◽

Yeast Identification ◽

Great Opportunity ◽

Maldi Tof Ms ◽

Identification Process ◽

Clinical Strains ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Development And Validation ◽

Tof Ms

Background: Candida auris is characterized for having a high genetic variability among species. MALDI-TOF MS library contains spectra from only three strains of C. auris, which makes difficult the identification process and gives low scores at the species level. Our aim was to construct and validate an internal library to improve C. auris identification with Colombian clinical strains. Methods: From 30 clinical strains, 770 mass spectra were obtained for the construction of the database. The validation was performed with 300 strains to compare the identification results in the BDAL and C. auris Colombia libraries. Results: Our library allowed a complete, 100% identification of the evaluated strains and a significant improvement in the scores obtained, showing a better performance compared to the Bruker BDAL library. Conclusions: The strengthening of the database is a great opportunity to improve the scoring and C. auris identification. Library data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD016387.

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Characterization of aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Hemijska industrija ◽

10.2298/hemind0706333v ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 61 (6) ◽

pp. 333-341

Author(s):

Jasna Vukovic ◽

Slobodan Jovanovic ◽

Manfred Lechner

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Mass Spectra ◽

Degree Of Polymerization ◽

Side Reactions ◽

Maldi Tof Ms ◽

Hyperbranched Polyesters ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Maldi Tof Mass Spectra ◽

Tof Ms

In this work, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used for the characterization of aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters (AHBP), synthesized from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) and di-trimethylolpropane. From the obtained results it was concluded that it was not possible to take complete advantages of MALDI-TOF MS in this particular case, since the AHBP used in this work were polydisperse. The intensity of the signals from the high mass tail of these samples (pseudo generation higher than four) was underestimated and insufficient to distinguish it from the baseline and to use it for the analysis of the spectra. As a consequence of that, lower values of the Mn were obtained. At the same time, Mw were also underestimated, which led to very low values of the polydispersity index. On the other hand, it was possible to obtain molar masses of individual molecules from the MALDI-TOF mass spectra of AHBP and to qualitatively determine the extent of cyclization (side reactions) at each degree of polymerization. Using the adequate set of equations and results obtained from MALDI-TOF mass spectra of AHBP, every signal from the spectra was identified. The obtained results show that formation of poly(bis-MPA), intramolecular esterification and intramolecular etherification occurred as side reactions during the synthesis of these polyesters. The relative amount of the cycles increases with the number of pseudo generation (from the second up to the fifth pseudo generation). It was also observed that the relative proportion of the signals which represent cyclic structures increases with the increasing degree of polymerization. In this work the basic principles of MALDI-TOF MS are also presented, as well as, a review of adequate published articles.

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Comparison of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow Based Flow Cytometry for Tracking Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-123838 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 3060-3060

Author(s):

Marion Eveillard ◽

Even H Rustad ◽

Mikhail Roshal ◽

Yanming Zhang ◽

Amanda Kathryn Ciardiello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

M Protein ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Maldi Tof Ms ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Active Disease ◽

Tof Ms

Introduction In multiple myeloma (MM), the absence of measurable residual disease (MRD) after completed therapy is associated with longer progression free survival. Different techniques are available to detect low levels of plasma cells in bone marrow (BM) either by flow cytometry or by next-generation sequencing as a gold standard of molecular methods. But these techniques are limited because they require a representative bone marrow sample obtained by an invasive procedure. Therefore, detecting low levels of disease in blood would be ideal, because serial sampling is much easier and fully representative, and it would allow for the detection of extramedullary disease. Mass spectrometry-based methods have been shown to be more sensitive for detecting monoclonal proteins (M-protein) in serum. In this study, we were motivated to evaluate MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) head-to-head with an established BM-based MRD assays. Patients and Methods This cohort included 71 patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) who had serum samples available at 2 timepoints including during active disease and within 60 days of MRD results as determined by flow cytometry of bone marrow aspirates (Flow-BM-MRD). The cohort enrolled 26 females and 45 males with a median age of 61 years (range 37-78 years). Twenty-seven patients had high-risk cytogenetics at baseline. The median time between diagnosis and the MRD timepoint was 13.4 months (3.4-91 months). MALDI-TOF MS analysis was performed according to the method published by Mills et al. Immunoglobulins were purified from serum samples using CaptureSelect beads specific of each isotype and were then eluted from the beads. Light chains and heavy chains were separated by the addition of a reducing agent. Purified samples were mixed in matrix and spotted onto a stainless steel MALDI plate and were analyzed using a Microflex LT MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer (Bruker). Samples taken during active disease were used to identify the mass to charge ratio (m/z) of the M-protein and served as a surrogate marker in the analysis of subsequent samples. MALDI-TOF MS results were compared to the Flow-BM-MRD assay, performed using the MSKCC's ten-color, single-tube method. Results MALDI-TOF MS detected an M-protein in all 71 active disease samples and in 25 MRD samples. MALDI-TOF-MS results at the MRD timepoint were concordant with Flow-BM-MRD for 44/71 patients (p=0.342, chi-square test). Eight patients were positive and 36 negative by both techniques. Twenty-seven patients were discordant, including 10 patients detectable only by Flow-BM-MRD and 17 detectable only by MALDI-TOF MS. Among the 10 patients detectable by flow cytometry but not by MALDI, the median MRD level was 0.00092% (+<0.0001% - 0.011%). The M-protein could have been present but below the polyclonal background. Regarding the 17 patients positive only by MALDI-TOF-MS, the BM sample for flow analysis was not suitable for 3 patients due to hemodilution. The others 14 samples reached the target of sensitivity with a limit of detection of 0.0001%. Alternatively, the MALDI-TOF result could be a false positive in terms of disease detection. MS is likely not falsely detecting M-proteins and indeed, immunofixation was also positive in 11/17 of these samples. However, low levels of M-protein may not indicate the presence of active disease. Indeed, a confounding factor is that immunoglobulins have a long half-life in serum. To determine the clinical utility of more sensitive M-protein detection, we evaluated the clinical outcome for the 48 newly diagnosed MM patients in CR at the MRD timepoint with a median follow-up of 11 months. Of these 48 patients, 2 of the 3 that were positive by both techniques relapsed during follow-up. One out of 27 patients that were negative by both techniques relapsed. None of the 10 patients who were positive only by MALDI-TOF relapsed and 1 of the 8 patients who were positive only by Flow-BM-MRD relapsed. Conclusions This study is important because it is a first step in understanding how to use a more sensitive blood test for the follow-up of MM patients. MALDI-TOF MS analysis may provide complementary results to Flow-BM-MRD especially for the follow-up of patients in CR and during maintenance therapy to detect poor responders that would be positive by both techniques. In summary, our results suggest that MALDI-TOF may be quite useful for early detection of relapse. Disclosures Roshal: Physicians' Education Resource: Other: Provision of services; Celgene: Other: Provision of Services; Auron Therapeutics: Equity Ownership, Other: Provision of services. Hassoun:Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy. Smith:Celgene: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Fate Therapeutics and Precision Biosciences: Consultancy. Lesokhin:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Serametrix Inc.: Patents & Royalties; Genentech: Research Funding; GenMab: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria. Mailankody:Juno: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Takeda Oncology: Research Funding; CME activity by Physician Education Resource: Honoraria. Landgren:Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Theradex: Other: IDMC; Adaptive: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Other: IDMC; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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Understanding the chemical basis for the preferential ionization of specific biomolecules in mass spectrometry analysis of microbial cells

10.7287/peerj.preprints.27759v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Wenfa Ng

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Mass Spectra ◽

Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽

Chemical Pretreatment ◽

Maldi Tof Ms ◽

Spectrometry Analysis ◽

Chemical Basis ◽

Maldi Tof ◽

Different Types ◽

Tof Ms

Mass spectrometry-enabled microbial identification has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using profiled biomolecules for identifying microorganisms based on a chemometric or proteome database search approach. However, mechanisms driving the preferential ionization and detection of particular biomolecules in various types of mass spectrometry remain poorly understood. Specifically, mass spectra obtained from different microbial species remain poorly annotated with respect to the specific types of biomolecules accounting for the peaks. For example, while ribosomal proteins are known to be a significant class of biomolecules that could partially account for the profiled mass peaks in mass spectra of microorganisms, other classes of proteins and biomolecules remain poorly annotated. This raises the important question of how different mass spectrometry approaches ionize different types of biomolecules from a cellular matrix. Specifically, mass spectra of microorganisms reveal that only a couple of mass peaks could capture the phylogeny of a species. However, the proteome of a cell is much larger and more complicated, and yet is not fully profiled by different types of mass spectrometry methods. For example, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) could only provide a small snapshot of the entire bacterial proteome. It could be argued that different mass spectrometry methods provide complementary views of a particular proteome. However, the question remains, how do proteins and biomolecules interact with the different sample preparation and mass spectrometry analysis methods for generating an ion cloud for separation in a mass spectrometer? Thus, efforts could be directed towards understanding how different types of proteins could be preferentially ionized by MALDI-TOF MS. Specifically, different reagents could be used to perform chemical pretreatment on the proteome, which would subsequently be analyzed by mass spectrometry. Thus, a correlative map between types of chemical pretreatment used and the corresponding mass spectra could be obtained. Collectively, knowledge gleaned from the research would illuminate the chemical basis by which specific biomolecules are preferentially ionized under particular conditions, which would inform the development of strategies for increasing the subset of biomolecules ionized from a cellular proteome. Such chemical rules would also aid in the interpretation of mass spectra obtained, particularly in understanding the biological context of the experiment. Overall, the key goal of this research is to help answer the question: what is the biological basis and context of the mass spectrum obtained from cells?

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