Three-dimensional structure determination of protein complexes using matrix-landing mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool for the structural characterization of protein complexes. Here the authors offer a path for direct integration of MS and electron microscopy with a MS approach that enables grid deposition and structural preservation of gaseous protein complex ions. Native mass spectrometry (MS) is increasingly used to provide complementary data to electron microscopy (EM) for protein structure characterization. Beyond the ability to provide mass measurements of gas-phase biomolecular ions, MS instruments offer the ability to purify, select, and precisely control the spatial location of these ions. Here we present a modified Orbitrap MS system capable of depositing a native MS ion beam onto EM grids. We further describe the use of a chemical landing matrix that preserves the structural integrity of the deposited particles. With this system we obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction of the 800 kDa protein complex GroEL from gas-phase deposited GroEL ions. These data provide direct evidence that non-covalent protein complexes can indeed retain their condensed-phase structures following ionization and vaporization. Finally, we describe how further developments of this technology could pave the way to an integrated MS-EM technology with promise to provide improved cryo-EM sample preparation over conventional plunge-freezing techniques.

Automated summary

This article introduces a method that integrates mass spectrometry and electron microscopy by depositing protein complex ions onto EM grids. The study shows that non-covalent protein complexes can retain their structure even after ionization and vaporization.