Application of de novo sequencing tools to study abiogenic peptide formations by tandem mass spectrometry. The case of homo‐peptides from glutamic acid complicated by substitutions of hydrogen by sodium or potassium atoms

peer-reviewed · Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry · 2014

peer-reviewed · Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry · 2014. Ivan Terterov et al. Rationale Peptides and proteins are among the most important components of living systems. Different attempts…
Date 2014-01-15
Type peer-reviewed
Venue Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry
Publisher Wiley
Contribution downstream-application
DOI 10.1002/rcm.6757
Citations (OpenAlex) 3
Venue 2-year citedness 1.80

Abstract

Rationale Peptides and proteins are among the most important components of living systems. Different attempts have been made to experimentally model the formation of peptides from amino acid monomers in investigation of the origin of life. Detailed characterization of peptides formed under various conditions in such reactions is very important for understanding processes of abiogenic peptide formation. Methods We used liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for an accurate study of homo-peptides formed in a model reaction: glutamic acid oligomerization catalyzed by 1,1’-carbonyldiimidazole in aqueous solution with 1 M of sodium or potassium chloride and without any salts. We used de novo sequencing software for peptide identification. In addition we propose an approach that uses more spectral information for de novo sequencing then standard methods. Results Peptides up to 9 amino acids long were found in the experiments with KCl, while in experiments with NaCl and without salts only peptides of up to 7 amino acids were detected. Due to high salt concentrations in samples a high number of singly charged peptide ions with up to 4 substitutions of hydrogen atoms by sodium or potassium atoms were observed. De novo sequencing software provided correct identifications even for peptide ions with substitutions. Conclusions Multiple substitutions of hydrogen by alkali metal atoms in peptide ions strongly change their fragmentation patterns. Proposed approach for de novo sequencing was found very effective, even for ions with substitutions. So, it may be useful in more complicated cases like sequencing abiogenic peptides consisting of different amino acids.

Authors

  1. Ivan Terterov · Saint Petersburg Academic University
  2. Kira Vyatkina · ITMO University, Saint Petersburg Academic University, Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University, St Petersburg University, St. Petersburg State University
  3. Alexey S. Kononikhin · Institute of Biochemical Physics NM Emanuel, Institute of Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
  4. Vitali Boitsov · Saint Petersburg Academic University
  5. Sergey Vyazmin · Saint Petersburg Academic University
  6. Igor A. Popov · Institute of Biochemical Physics NM Emanuel, Institute of Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
  7. Eugene N. Nikolaev · Institute of Biochemical Physics NM Emanuel, Institute of Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
  8. Pavel A. Pevzner · Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Saint Petersburg Academic University, St Petersburg University, St. Petersburg State University, University of California San Diego, University of Southern California
  9. Michael Dubina · Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg Academic University

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