Abstract: A method of detecting a membrane protein by mass spectrometry comprises: (a) providing a solution comprising a native membrane vesicle having a lipid bilayer to which said membrane protein is attached; (b) sonicating the vesicle in the presence of a mass spectrometry-compatible buffer; (c) providing a mass spectrometer comprising a nanoelectrospray ionisation source, a mass analyser and a detector; (d) vaporising the sonicated solution using the nanoelectrospray ionisation source under conditions such that the membrane protein is released from the vesicle; (e) ionising the membrane protein; (f) resolving the ionised membrane protein using the mass analyser; and (g) detecting the resolved membrane protein using the detector. Also provided are solutions comprising sonicated vesicles for use in mass spectrometry methods.

Abstract: A method of detecting a membrane protein by mass spectrometry comprises: (a) providing a solution comprising a native membrane vesicle having a lipid bilayer to which said membrane protein is attached; (b) sonicating the vesicle in the presence of a mass spectrometry-compatible buffer; (c) providing a mass spectrometer comprising a nanoelectrospray ionisation source, a mass analyser and a detector; (d) vaporising the sonicated solution using the nanoelectrospray ionisation source under conditions such that the membrane protein is released from the vesicle; (e) ionising the membrane protein; (f) resolving the ionised membrane protein using the mass analyser; and (g) detecting the resolved membrane protein using the detector. Also provided are solutions comprising sonicated vesicles for use in mass spectrometry methods.

Abstract: A method of detecting a protein by mass spectrometry comprises: providing a solution comprising a dendritic detergent and a protein; providing a mass spectrometer comprising a nanoelectrospray ionisation source, a mass analyser and a detector; vaporising the solution using the nanoelectrospray ionisation source; ionising the protein; resolving the ionised protein using the mass analyser; and detecting the resolved protein using the detector. A method of extracting a membrane protein from its native membrane comprises: providing a membrane protein in its native membrane; contacting the membrane protein with a dendritic detergent. Dendritic detergents for use in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of detecting a complex comprising a membrane protein bound to a therapeutic agent by mass spectrometry. The method comprises: (a) providing a solution comprising a detergent micelle in which said complex is contained; (b) providing a mass spectrometer comprising a nanoelectrospray ionization source, a mass analyzer and a detector; (c) vaporizing the solution using the nanoelectrospray ionization source under conditions such that the complex is released from the micelle; (d) ionizing the complex; (e) resolving the ionized complex using the mass analyzer; and (f) detecting the resolved complex using the detector. Also provided is a solution comprising a detergent micelle in which a complex is contained, wherein the complex comprises a membrane protein bound to a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of detecting a complex comprising a membrane protein bound to a therapeutic agent by mass spectrometry. The method comprises: (a) providing a solution comprising a detergent micelle in which said complex is contained; (b) providing a mass spectrometer comprising a nanoelectrospray ionisation source, a mass analyser and a detector; (c) vaporising the solution using the nanoelectrospray ionisation source under conditions such that the complex is released from the micelle; (d) ionising the complex; (e) resolving the ionised complex using the mass analyser; and (f) detecting the resolved complex using the detector. Also provided is a solution comprising a detergent micelle in which a complex is contained, wherein the complex comprises a membrane protein bound to a therapeutic agent.