Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Analyzing Protein Dynamics Using Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry
Published on: November 29, 2013
Hiding behind hydrophobicity. Transmembrane segments in mass spectrometry
Lutz A Eichacker1, Bernhard Granvogl, Oliver Mirus
1Department für Biologie I, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Menzinger Strasse 67, 80368 München, Germany. eichacker@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
Proteomics of membrane proteins is essential for the understanding of cellular function. However, mass spectrometric analysis of membrane proteomes has been less successful than the proteomic determination of soluble proteins. To elucidate the mystery of transmembrane proteins in mass spectrometry, we present a detailed statistical analysis of experimental data derived from chloroplast membranes. This approach was further accomplished by the analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana proteome after in silico digestion. We demonstrate that both the length and the hydrophobicity of the proteolytic fragments containing transmembrane segments are major determinants for detection by mass spectrometry. Based on a comparative analysis, we discuss possibilities to overcome the problem and provide possible protocols to shift the hydrophobicity of transmembrane segment-containing peptides to facilitate their detection.
More Related Videos
11:16Discovering Protein Interactions and Characterizing Protein Function Using HaloTag Technology
Published on: July 12, 2014
11:09An HS-MRM Assay for the Quantification of Host-cell Proteins in Protein Biopharmaceuticals by Liquid Chromatography Ion Mobility QTOF Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 17, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
Peptide Identification Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry
This technique helps gather information regarding the protein from which the peptide was obtained and to study the peptides’ amino acid sequence. Identifying peptides from a complex mixture is an important component of the growing field of...
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry: Overview