Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Deep Proteome Profiling by Isobaric Labeling, Extensive Liquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, and Software-assisted Quantification
Published on: November 15, 2017
Verification of automated peptide identifications from proteomic tandem mass spectra
David L Tabb1, David B Friedman, Amy-Joan L Ham
1Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-8340, USA. david.l.tabb@vanderbilt.edu
Abstract:
Shotgun proteomics yields tandem mass spectra of peptides that can be identified by database search algorithms. When only a few observed peptides suggest the presence of a protein, establishing the accuracy of the peptide identifications is necessary for accepting or rejecting the protein identification. In this protocol, we describe the properties of peptide identifications that can differentiate legitimately identified peptides from spurious ones. The chemistry of fragmentation, as embodied in the 'mobile proton' and 'pathways in competition' models, informs the process of confirming or rejecting each spectral match. Examples of ion-trap and tandem time-of-flight (TOF/TOF) mass spectra illustrate these principles of fragmentation.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Rapid Identification of Pathogens
