This week’s Mass Spec News

Worth Your Time

A review of the use of droplet-based microfluids with mass spectrometry for profiling of protein expressions in small/single cell samples (microproteomics), identifies advancements in separation techniques and development of a new ionization interface as areas for improvement. Link

Using unbiased mass spectrometry, researchers demonstrate that vitamin B6-related molecules, when bound to the MR1 gene, can activate immune cells to detect differences in metabolite levels, leading to tumor-reactive cancer cell engagement. Link

A team from the University of Michigan, USA, explore how ribosomes capture mRNA during transcription via RNA polymerase – using microscopy and mass spectrometry. Link

Researchers use liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF) with chemometrics and machine learning to identify differences in black tea samples based on geographical indications. Link

A new, low-cost system using infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) coupled to nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) can decluster intact protein complex ions up to approximately 50 kDa. Link

Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) used to identify and quantify various species of sphingolipids – a class of membrane lipids involved in multiple biological processes. Link

Essential Reading

Spit It Out
 

In a prospective study involving 17 healthy adults, researchers from the University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, UK, have developed a method to quantitate paracetamol concentrations in patient saliva in just 10 minutes.

Using paper arrow-mass spectrometry (PA-MS), the team were able to generate accurate and reliable results using a sample volume of just 2 µL. This, in addition to the general simplicity of the process, leads the team to believe that the PA-MS workflow has potential for use in measuring other analytes in biofluids such as blood, sweat, and urine. In the paper, they describe their new method as “a major milestone towards rapid and convenient saliva analysis,” adding that “PA-MS can avail new clinical research avenues in relation to personalised medicine.”

To find out more, check out our full story here!

(Mass) Spectacular and Strange

Through a Needle’s Eye
 

An interesting study coming out of the LaPrele site in Converse County, Wyoming, USA, caught my eye this week. A team of archaeologists has found evidence to suggest that bones from fur-bearing animals such as foxes, rabbits, and possibly the now-extinct American cheetah were fashioned into needles to make clothing nearly 13,000 years ago.

Using zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS), collagen from 32 bone needle fragments found at the site were analyzed and compared against peptides of existing artifacts of animals that existed during the Early Paleondian period.

“Our results are strong evidence for tailored garment production using bone needles and fur-bearing animal pelts,” said the authors. “These garments partially enabled modern human dispersal to northern latitudes and eventually enabled colonization of the Americas.”