Single-cell MALDI: a new tool for direct peptide profiling

• Published in: Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 151 - 160
• Main Authors: Li, Lingjun, Garden, Rebecca W., Sweedler, Jonathan V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2000; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Diverse techniques; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Immunohistochemistry - methods; Mass spectrometry; Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI); Molecular and cellular biology; Peptides; Peptides - analysis; Peptides - chemistry; Peptides - metabolism; Post-translational modification; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Proteomics; Sequence Analysis, Protein - methods; Sequencing; Single-cell analysis; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization - instrumentation; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization - methods; Post-translational modification; Biotechnology; Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI); Peptides; Single-cell analysis; Techniques and methods; Proteomics; Sequencing; Mass spectrometry; Matrix isolation; Posttranslational modification; Tissue; Analysis method; Photoionization; In situ; Cell; Laser desorption; Aminoacid sequence
• ISSN: 0167-7799; 1879-3096
• DOI: 10.1016/S0167-7799(00)01427-X

Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is a rapid and sensitive analytical approach that is well suited for obtaining molecular weights of peptides and proteins from complex samples. MALDI-MS can profile the peptides and proteins from single-cell and small tissue samples without the need for extensive sample preparation, except for the cell isolation and matrix application. Strategies for peptide identification and characterization of post-translational modifications are presented. Furthermore, several recent enhancements in MALDI-MS technology, including in situ peptide sequencing as well as the direct spatial mapping of peptides in cells and tissues are discussed.