Proteins and protein complexes undergo structural changes depending on the surrounding environment, in turn affecting their biological function. Here, VT-MS is applied to study four multimeric protein complexes and allow for decoupling of their melting temperature (Tm) from the protein complex dissociation temperature (TGPD). VT-IM-MS is used to investigate structural changes of these proteins at elevated temperatures and provide insight into the thermally induced dissociation (TID) mechanism, as well as strength of the non-covalent interactions between subunits.
Kamila J. Pacholarz and Perdita E. Barran