Protein identification and characterization is important in many steps of biochemical and biomedical research. It insures the correct identity of a target protein but is also able to give more information about the modifications of the protein.
Identification of proteins is typically done after tryptic digestion and can be performed on MALDI and ESI mass spectrometers. For mixtures of proteins, a separation of the tryptic peptides via HPLC is recommended. The identification of proteins can be performed out of a solution (please check for compatibility of the buffers used) or gel bands (after coomassie staining).
Protein characterization is a large field in which mass spectrometry can help you e.g. via
- determination of the exact mass of the protein
- N- or C-terminal sequencing via MALDI-ISD measurements
- PTM identification
The feasibility and requirements for your sample depend on your sample and your scientific question.
If you are interested in these fields, contact the coordinator of the technology platform, Dr. Maria Riedner.