Analysis of proteins by direct-scanning infrared-MALDI mass spectrometry after 2D-PAGE separation and electroblotting

Electrophoresis of proteins across a transverse sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient

We describe a new protocol for denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis, namely the migration of proteins across transverse sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-gradients. We show how such gradients may be reproducibly cast, and demonstrate their stability with time once an appropriate SDS reservoir is arranged at the cathode. SDS affects both size and surface charge of the molecules, and influences the secondary and tertiary structure to a variable extent, even in opposite directions. Hence, distinct, sometimes complex, denaturation patterns may be observed for different proteins.

Meaning and therapeutic potential of microbial recognition of host glycoconjugates

The microbe-host interface is currently in focus because of attempts to develop infection therapy in humans based on either natural receptor saccharide (respiratory and gastrointestinal disease) or sophisticated sialic acid analogues designed from crystal structures (influenza). Most of the known host receptors for microbes are glycoconjugates, and the diversity and selectivity of host tissue glycosylation allow for the tropism of infections. However, among the many binding specificities detected so far, the biological role has been proven only in a few infectious model systems. The existence of multiple specificities of a single microbe is both a complicating factor and a challenge, requiring expanded research with a special demand on glycoscience.

Identifying proteins and post-translational modifications by mass spectrometry

Major recent advances in hardware performance, sample-handling procedures and software algorithms now allow reliable and sensitive mass spectrometric identification of proteins. Mass spectrometry vastly outperforms traditional sequencing technologies and thereby greatly facilitates the elucidation of the functions of individual proteins as well as multiprotein complexes and larger protein assemblages.