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Ultraviolet laser‐induced cross‐linking in peptides
Author(s) -
Leo Gabriella,
Altucci Carlo,
BourgoinVoillard Sandrine,
Gravagnuolo Alfredo M.,
Esposito Rosario,
Marino Gennaro,
Costello Catherine E.,
Velotta Raffaele,
Birolo Leila
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.6610
Subject(s) - chemistry , femtosecond , mass spectrometry , laser , ultraviolet , covalent bond , resolution (logic) , photochemistry , peptide , molecule , analytical chemistry (journal) , chromatography , organic chemistry , optoelectronics , optics , biochemistry , physics , artificial intelligence , computer science
RATIONALE The aim of this study was to demonstrate, and to characterize by high‐resolution mass spectrometry that it is possible to preferentially induce covalent cross‐links in peptides by using high‐energy femtosecond ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses. The cross‐link is readily formed only when aromatic amino acids are present in the peptide sequence. METHODS Three peptides, xenopsin, angiotensin I, and interleukin, individually or in combination, were exposed to high‐energy femtosecond UV laser pulses, either alone or in the presence of spin trapping molecules, the reaction products being characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry. RESULTS High‐resolution mass spectrometry and spin trapping strategies showed that cross‐linking occurs readily, proceeds via a radical mechanism, and is the highly dominant reaction, proceeding without causing significant photo‐damage in the investigated range of experimental parameters. CONCLUSIONS High‐energy femtosecond UV laser pulses can be used to induce covalent cross‐links between aromatic amino acids in peptides, overcoming photo‐oxidation processes, that predominate as the mean laser pulse intensity approaches illumination conditions achievable with conventional UV light sources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.