Mass spectrometry of oligonucleotides.
Expanding research in the field of modified oligonucleotides demands suitable analytical tools for size and purity verification of known compounds and accurate structure elucidation of unknowns. There is a need for characterization of the types and sites of modifications in oligonucleotides and to identify and sequence selected candidates originating from synthesis. The potential of electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) for structural characterization and sequencing of oligonucleotides is demonstrated. The fundamental behavior of DNA, RNA, and selected modified oligonucleotides in gas-phase is shown. Since gas-phase dissociation does not demand specific structural prerequisites, the method bears a great potential for rapid and most accurate characterization of modified oligonucleotides, e.g. from combinatorial libraries.
Schürch
Stefan
S
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland. stefan.schuerch@ioc.unibe.ch
Tromp
Jan M
JM
Monn
Selina T M
ST
D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry*; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000379:methods*; D017423:Sequence Analysis, RNA / Q000379:methods*; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
D009841:Oligonucleotides; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA