Application of CE-ICP-MS and CE-ESI-MS in Metalloproteomics - Challenges, Developments and Limitations

Abstract

The application of capillary electrophoresis as a high resolution separation technique in metalloproteomic research is critically reviewed. The focus lies on the requirements and challenges in coupling capillary electrophoresis (CE) with sensitive element and molecule specific detection techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Especially the complementary application of both detection techniques for the structural and functional characterization of metal-binding proteins and their structural metal-binding moieties is emphasised. Based on the literature released during the last decade beneficial aspects and limitations of mass spectrometry hyphenated to CE are discussed. Recent metalloproteomic applications of CE are reviewed to demonstrate its potential and limitation in modern biochemical speciation analysis and to indicate future directions of this technique.