Protonated Asparaginyl-Alanine Decomposition: a TCID, SORI-CID, and Computational Analysis

Deamidation of asparagine residues, one of the fastest known post-translational modifications in proteins, plays a significant role in various biological functions and degenerative, aging diseases. Here, we present a full description of deamidation (as well as other key dissociation processes) from protonated asparaginyl-alanine, H⁺(AsnAla), by studying its kinetic energy-dependent threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. Relative thresholds compare favorably with those acquired by sustained off-resonance irradiation-CID of H⁺(AsnAla) with Ar in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Absolute threshold energies from the TCID studies are compared to relative single point energies of major reaction species calculated at the B3LYP, B3LYP-GD3BJ, B3P86, MP2(full), and M06-2X levels of theory. Relative energies of key TSs and products allow for the characterization of the important rate-limiting steps involved in H⁺(AsnAla) decomposition. The influence of water solvation on key TSs is also explored computationally, where bridging the gap between gas-phase and solvated studies is an important aspect of the biological relevance of this analysis. The comprehensive results presented (in addition to complementary studies discussed herein) allow for an insightful comparison to previous deamidation studies such that effects of the C-terminal residue side chain can be elucidated. Graphical abstract ᅟ.