MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of protein and DNA.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has become a powerful and widespread analytical tool in all fields of life science. The wide mass range (1-300 kDa), high accuracy, and sensitivity make it a superior method for analysis of all kinds of biomolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. In combination with 2D-gelelectrophoresis, MALDI-TOF-MS is particularly suitable for the identification of protein spots via mass fingerprint or microsequencing. Furthermore, the method allows a detailed analysis of posttranslational protein modifications. Recently, the method was also successfully applied to DNA sequencing as well as screening for mutations. Thus, high-throughput genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms has the potential to become a routine method for both laboratory and clinical applications.