Rapid profiling of E. coli proteins up to 500 kDa from whole cell lysates using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to rapidly detect and profile large proteins from Escherichia coli whole cell lysates in the mass range 25–500 kDa. The bacterial samples were treated with guanidine hydrochloride and Triton X-100 to disrupt and solubilize the large inner membrane proteins. A sample preparation involving a nitrocellulose polymer film, and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, sinapinic acid or caffeic acid as matrix was utilized to rapidly monitor the presence of induced and repressed protein synthesis in response to l -arabinose catabolism in E. coli cells. The results were compared to those of 1-D or 2-D gel electrophoresis. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.