Top-down proteomics: Turning protein mass spec upside-down
Between alternative transcription start sites, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications, a given gene may produce dozens of protein variants, each with a different biological activity. Teasing apart those structure-function relationships requires mapping specific variants to their associated biological functions, and the tool of the trade for doing so is mass spectrometry. But not just any mass spec will do. Researchers need a holistic view of protein structure, data that is lost with the popular “bottom-up” proteomics strategy. Powered by today’s ultrahigh-resolution, high massaccuracy mass specs, protein biochemists are increasingly turning bottom-up upside-down. Their new alternative: top-down proteomics… Read more at Science. (PDF)
Biotechnically Speaking 