Novel linear quadrupole ion trap/FT mass spectrometer: performance characterization and use in the comparative analysis of histone H3 post-translational modifications.

We describe the design and performance of a prototype high performance hybrid mass spectrometer. This instrument consists of a linear quadrupole ion trap (QLT) coupled to a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass analyzer (FTMS). This configuration provides rapid and automated MS and MS/MS analyses, similar to the "data dependent scanning" found on standard 3-D Paul traps, but with substantially improved internal scan dynamic range, mass measurement accuracy, mass resolution, and detection limits. Sequence analysis of peptides at the zeptomole level is described. The recently released, commercial version of this instrument operates in the LC/MS mode (1 s/scan) with a mass resolution of 100 000 and is equipped with automatic gain control to provide mass measurement accuracy of 1-2 ppm without internal standard. Methodology is described that uses this instrument to compare the post-translational modifications present on histone H3 isolated from asynchronously growing cells and cells arrested in mitosis.