Covalent Labeling Mass Spectrometry (CM-MS) is an advanced technology combining chemical labeling with high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis to comprehensively reveal protein three-dimensional structure, epitope characteristics, and dynamic properties. Our service employs specific covalent labeling reagents such as DEPC for precise protein modification, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis to obtain detailed structural information, providing comprehensive data support for your protein research initiatives.

Figure 1. General bottom-up workflow for covalent labeling of proteins with subsequent analysis by limited proteolysis (usually tryptic digestion), LC and ESI-MS.(see right) (Source: Pan Y, et al. 2010)

Service Offerings

1. Protein Epitope Mapping

Creative Diagnostics provides comprehensive epitope mapping services for your samples. By combining covalent labeling with mass spectrometry analysis, we accurately identify antibody or ligand binding sites and generate high-resolution epitope maps. This approach eliminates the need for protein crystallization, offering superior throughput and reliability compared to conventional methods.

2. Protein Structure Analysis

Leveraging our advanced mass spectrometry platform, we perform comprehensive characterization of protein higher-order structure (HOS). By comparing labeling patterns before and after specific treatment conditions, we precisely identify affected regions and amino acid residues, revealing protein conformational changes across different environments.

3. Mass Spectrometry Data Acquisition and Analysis

We employ state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS workflows for data acquisition, encompassing sample preparation, protein digestion, peptide separation, mass analysis, and data processing. Our experienced team possesses extensive proteomics analysis expertise, enabling extraction of valuable structural information from complex mass spectrometry datasets.

4. DEPC-Labeled Region Identification

Utilizing the high electrophilicity of DEPC, we selectively label specific regions of proteins exposed to the solution environment. Through mass spectrometry analysis, we identify these labeled sites with precision, pinpointing residues affected by experimental conditions and providing structural evidence for protein function studies.

Service Advantages

• Sensitivity and Accuracy

Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we detect subtle conformational changes at the individual peptide level, delivering isotope-resolution data accuracy that surpasses conventional approaches.

• Comprehensive Coverage

DEPC labeling can achieve coverage of up to 30% of protein residues, providing exceptionally comprehensive structural information coverage compared to traditional methods.

• Crystal-Free Analysis

Our approach eliminates dependence on successful protein crystallization, making it ideal for difficult-to-crystallize proteins and membrane proteins, significantly reducing experimental timelines and costs.

• Dynamic Structure Information

Analysis can be performed under near-physiological conditions, yielding dynamic conformational information about proteins rather than limiting results to static crystal structures.

• Professional Data Interpretation

Our experienced bioinformatics team excels at mining valuable structural information from raw mass spectrometry data, providing expert interpretation and elucidating biological significance.

Service Workflow

Application

• Antibody and Vaccine Development
• Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Protein Drug Design
• Protein-Protein Interaction Research
• Basic Research