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U.S. Department of Energy
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Examining the structure of biomolecules with FTICR

Conference ·
OSTI ID:559868
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
  2. Bowdoin College, New Brunswick, ME (United States)

To examine how biomolecules are altered due to exposure to chemicals, we have developed techniques based on Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry as a means of probing the structure of modified biomolecules, such as DNA adducts. Both matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray (ES) have been employed to generate ions from modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides. The capabilities of FTICR for accurate mass measurement and ion manipulation capabilities, particularly collisional dissociation and ion-molecule reactions, have yielded detailed insight into the structure of these ions. In the case of modified oligonucleotides, this has permitted information on the nature of the adduct, site of substitution on the nucleic base, and position of the modified base in the oligonucleotide to be established. By altering matrix conditions in the MALDI process and delays in ion trapping, additional avenues of obtaining structural information may be obtained.

OSTI ID:
559868
Report Number(s):
CONF-970443--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English