We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve the overall user experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. Read our Privacy Policy
Creative Proteomics are offering cross-linking mass spectrometry (CL-MS), a robust and flexible method for probing PPI binding interfaces and defining protein-protein interactions (PPIs). CL-MS is capable of providing medium-resolution structural information by identifying proximate amino acid pairs (including transient or weak interactions) that are covalently linked by specific lengths of chemical cross-linkers. And the obtained information is further utilized to build direct PPI networks of protein complex as well as mapping PPI binding interfaces.
In the XL-MS experiment, the cross-linking reaction is performed at near-native conditions, and chemical reagents and/or UV light are used to form covalent bonds between side chains of amino acids. The artificial bonds have defined lengths and physically bind proximal amino acid residues. Once the cross-linked proteins and protein complexes are formed, enzymatic digestion of the protein/complex is usually performed and the sample is analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS). The approach allows the identification of the cross-linked amino acids via database searching, yielding conclusions about their spatial proximity in the protein assembly, involving the sequence assignment of cross-linked peptides as well as localization of specific cross-linked amino acid residues. The physical interaction data derived from XL-MS can be used for structural biology and computational modeling studies. According to the spatial proximity of cross-linked sites, the information of protein binding interfaces, protein conformations, protein dynamics, and novel partnerships can be obtained.
As a complementary method to support other techniques, chemical XL-MS based on cross-linking reagents provide the unique advantage of capturing both native protein interactions and structures in a physiologically relevant subcellular context.
With robust cross-linking reagents, ultra-high performance mass spectrometers, and powerful bioinformatics tools, we utilize a specialized XL-MS approach for defining virus-host PPI networks and protein complexes that are involved in viral pathogenesis. Our services focus on the five key steps of the XL-MS experiment, including choice of cross-linkers, sample preparation, MS analysis, data processing, as well as structural characterization and protein interaction mapping.
XL-MS has become one of the most promising MS-based approaches for three-dimensional (3D) structure analysis of large and transient proteins and protein complexes. With the improvements and innovations in each aspect, it has become possible to analyze non-targeted protein complexes and define PPI landscapes at the systems level. Creative Proteomics is a leading provider in the field of viral proteomics services. Based on our XL-MS platform, we can help customers give insight into the progression and spread of a viral infection. For more information on how we can help you, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to providing services for your next project.
References
* For research use only.