XPlex: An Effective, Multiplex Cross-Linking Chemistry for Acidic Residues

Anal Chem. 2018 May 15;90(10):6043-6050. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b05135. Epub 2018 May 2.

Abstract

Cross-linking/Mass spectrometry (XLMS) is a consolidated technique for structural characterization of proteins and protein complexes. Despite its success, the cross-linking chemistry currently used is mostly based on N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters, which react primarily with lysine residues. One way to expand the current applicability of XLMS into several new areas is to increase the number of cross-links obtainable for a target protein. We introduce a multiplex chemistry (denoted XPlex) that targets Asp, Glu, Lys, and Ser residues. XPlex can generate significantly more cross-links with reactions occurring at lower temperatures and enables targeting proteins that are not possible with NHS ester-based cross-linkers. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in model proteins as well as a target Lys-poor protein, SalBIII. Identification of XPlex spectra requires a search engine capable of simultaneously considering multiple cross-linkers on the same run; to achieve this, we updated the SIM-XL search algorithm with a search mode tailored toward XPlex. In summary, we present a complete chemistry/computational solution for significantly increasing the number of possible distance constraints by mass spectrometry experiments, and thus, we are convinced that XPlex poses as a real complementary approach for structural proteomics studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Aspartic Acid / analysis*
  • Computational Biology*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry*
  • Esters / chemistry
  • Glutamic Acid / analysis*
  • Lysine / analysis*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Serine / analysis*
  • Succinimides / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Esters
  • Proteins
  • Succinimides
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Serine
  • Lysine
  • N-hydroxysuccinimide