title: MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of protein and DNA.
abstract: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has become a powerful and widespread analytical tool in all fields of life science. The wide mass range (1-300 kDa), high accuracy, and sensitivity make it a superior method for analysis of all kinds of biomolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. In combination with 2D-gelelectrophoresis, MALDI-TOF-MS is particularly suitable for the identification of protein spots via mass fingerprint or microsequencing. Furthermore, the method allows a detailed analysis of posttranslational protein modifications. Recently, the method was also successfully applied to DNA sequencing as well as screening for mutations. Thus, high-throughput genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms has the potential to become a routine method for both laboratory and clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bonk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Humeny
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000379:methods; D020539:Sequence Analysis, Protein / Q000379:methods; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D004247:DNA