Mapping the role of cofactors in the conformation of proteins using spectroscopy coupled with ion mobility mass spectrometry -summary to follow

We obtained funding to adapt a commercially available Synapt G2S HD MS (BBSRC BB/L002655/1) in collaboration with Waters Corp. The heart of this instrument is the ion mobility cell, IM-MS measurements are possible in this instrument, as for any Synapt mass spectrometer, but uniquely we are able to trap ions that have been conformer selected, to allow optical measurements in a so called 'photo SRIG' (stacked ring ion guide). Such optical measurements can take several forms, including IR-spectroscopy, UV/Vis-spectroscopy, which will provide structural analysis of co-factors and coenzymes, photo-dissociation to sequence the proteins as well as fluorescence to probe global conformations.

Molecular mechanics calculations will generate structures to compare with those determined experimentally. This student will use this novel instrument to examine the role of cofactors on the conformations of proteins, by making measurements on the cofactor alone, the apo and the holo form of the protein. The student will be trained in biological mass spectrometry, in optical methods and in molecular mechanics. They will spend a secondment at Waters developing software to best interpret the data from this instrument. This cutting edge interdisciplinary science program is world leading and will train this student with a set of skills highly desirable both in academia and in industry.