Analysis of Intact Glycoproteins by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Methods Mol Biol. 2021:2271:47-56. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1241-5_3.

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) can be regarded as a key tool to rapidly obtain molecular mass information of intact glycoproteins in glycoproteomic studies and quality control of recombinant biopharmaceuticals. However, MALDI-TOF MS of these glycosylated compounds is a tricky task due to its low ionization efficiency and fragmentation of labile groups such as sialic acids.Here, we offer the reader a practical overview of the available methodologies for the confident analysis of intact glycoproteins with different glycosylation degree by MALDI-TOF MS. The three proposed methods fulfil the requirements of reproducibility and low extent of glycan fragmentation required to successfully analyze intact glycoproteins.

Keywords: Glycosylation degree; Intact glycoprotein; Ionic liquid; MALDI; Matrix.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Glycosylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Research Design
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization*
  • Workflow

Substances

  • Glycoproteins