Mass spectrometry-based qualitative and quantitative N-glycomics: An update of 2017-2018

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Glycoscience

Background:

• N-glycosylation is a prevalent protein post-translational modification (PTM) crucial for cellular functions, physiology, and pathology.
• Mass spectrometry-based N-glycomics is the leading analytical approach for detailed N-glycan and N-glycome characterization.
• Ongoing advancements in analytical methodologies are critical for expanding the scope and depth of N-glycomics applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in mass spectrometry-based N-glycomics.
• To cover qualitative and quantitative methodologies developed or improved between 2017 and 2018.
• To highlight the impact of these advancements on the broader application of N-glycomics.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature (2017-2018) focusing on mass spectrometry techniques for N-glycomics.
• Analysis of improvements in N-glycan release, enrichment, derivatization, and isotopic labeling.
• Evaluation of advancements in separation, ionization, mass spectrometry (MS), tandem MS, and bioinformatics.

Main Results:

• Significant methodological improvements have been reported in various stages of N-glycan analysis.
• New developments enhance sensitivity, throughput, and comprehensiveness in N-glycomics.
• These advancements facilitate wider and deeper applications of N-glycomics in biological and pathological studies.

Conclusions:

• The field of mass spectrometry-based N-glycomics has seen substantial progress in recent years.
• Methodological innovations continue to drive the field forward, enabling more detailed glycomic analyses.
• These advancements are crucial for understanding the biological roles and pathological implications of N-glycosylation.