Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Analyzing Protein Architectures and Protein-Ligand Complexes by Integrative Structural Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 15, 2018
Elucidating the intermolecular interactions within a desolvated protein-ligand complex. An experimental and
Elena N Kitova1, Mikyung Seo, Pierre-Nicholas Roy
1Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science and Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2.
This study details intermolecular hydrogen bonds in a protein-ligand complex using gas-phase experiments and simulations. Key interactions are identified, revealing charge-dependent structural differences and conserved H-bonds from solution to gas phase.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Structural Biology
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Noncovalent protein-ligand complexes are crucial in biological systems.
- Understanding intermolecular interactions, particularly hydrogen bonds, is key to elucidating binding mechanisms.
- Gas-phase studies offer a unique perspective on these interactions, free from solvent effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize intermolecular hydrogen bonds within a desolvated protein-ligand complex.
- To investigate the influence of charge state on these interactions.
- To compare gas-phase interactions with crystal structures and computational predictions.
Main Methods:
- Blackbody infrared radiative dissociation-functional group replacement (BIRD/FGR) for experimental identification and quantification of H-bonds.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to model interactions at specific charge states (+8 and -8).
- Electrospray ionization (ESI) to transfer the complex from solution to the gas phase.
Main Results:
- Three specific intermolecular hydrogen bond donor-acceptor pairs were identified and quantified in the gaseous complex.
- At least two specific H-bonds appear conserved between the solution and gas phases.
- Significant structural differences and varied interaction strengths were observed between protonated and deprotonated ions, influenced by charge state.
Conclusions:
- Intermolecular hydrogen bonds play a critical role in stabilizing desolvated protein-ligand complexes.
- Gas-phase experimental and computational methods provide complementary insights into complex structure and interactions.
- Charge state significantly impacts the structural integrity and intermolecular interactions within the complex.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand Binding Sites
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
The Equilibrium Binding Constant and Binding Strength
Intermolecular Forces
Protein-protein Interfaces
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect

