Peptide mapping using thermospray LC/MS detection: rapid identification of hemoglobin variants

A rapid and easily interpreted method for peptide mapping is demonstrated with hemoglobin A and three variants. Digests of the globin chains are generated in columns containing immobilized trypsin. The resulting protein fragments are resolved by reverse phase HPLC and then analyzed by thermospray mass spectrometry. The entire process is carried out on-line. The result is a chromatographic trace which is two dimensional; in addition to the standard elution pattern, the individual mass spectra collected for each peak contain information about their identity and their purity. In two of the variants used, hemoglobin C and hemoglobin Baylor, the exact nature of the amino acid substitution could be determined unambiguously in a single analysis, from the masses of the new tryptic peptides observed. In the third case, hemoglobin S, the mass of the peptide containing the amino acid replacement is consistent with two separate sites of substitution. This ambiguity was resolved in a second analysis, using immobilized carboxypeptidase Y, prior to mass spectral analysis. The resulting partial digest permits reconstruction of the critical sequence region and correct assignment of the allelic site.