Analysis of quaternary protein ensembles by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

The intact noncovalent structure of the homo-oligomeric complexes of streptavidin (52 kDa), alcohol dehydrogenase (150 kDa), and beef liver catalase (240 kDa) have been observed using the matrix 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone in an organic solvent. Intact streptavidin tetramers could also be observed with ferulic acid and other hydroxyacetophenone derivatives. Intact complexes are observed only for the first shot at a given position, which may be due to physical segregation or precipitation of the noncovalent complexes at the crystal surface. This effect is independent of the macroscopic crystal structure or the type of substrate (hydrophobic versus hydrophilic). Observation of intact complexes is not affected by addition of less than 10 mM salts or buffers, and appears to be independent of the pH stability range of the protein samples investigated.