Biological signalling activity measurements using mass spectrometry

MS (mass spectrometry) techniques are rapidly evolving to high levels of performance and robustness. This is allowing the application of these methods to the interrogation of signalling networks with unprecedented depth and accuracy. In the present review we discuss how MS-based multiplex quantification of kinase activities and phosphoproteomics provide complementary means to assess biological signalling activity. In addition, we discuss how a wider application of these analytical concepts to quantify kinase signalling will result in a more comprehensive understanding of normal and disease biology at the system level.