
Revolutionary Cross-Linker Transforms Protein Complex Analysis in Living Cells
2025-07-01
Author: Arjun
Unlocking the Secrets of Protein Interaction!
Proteins play a crucial role in cellular functions, relying on their ability to change shape and interact with one another. Understanding these protein complexes is vital for unraveling disease mechanisms and discovering new drug targets.
A Game-Changer in Protein Analysis!
In vivo cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has quickly become an essential tool for studying protein complexes in living organisms. However, traditional methods can be cumbersome, leading to significant sample loss and unreliable results, especially when working with limited quantities.
Meet DPST: The Cross-Linker of the Future!
A breakthrough study spearheaded by Prof. Zhang Lihua at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has introduced an innovative solution—a new dimethylpiperidine-based cross-linker named 2,6-dimethylpiperidine disuccinimidyl tridecanoate (DPST). This cutting-edge cross-linker boasts remarkable features: it is not only cell membrane permeable but also enhances the ease of quantitative analysis.
Efficient and Effective: How DPST Works!
Thanks to its unique design, DPST facilitates one-step enrichment of cross-linked peptides, dramatically minimizing the sample loss often seen in traditional multi-step procedures. Researchers can now perform in vivo XL-MS analysis using as few as 10,000 cells!
Enhanced Precision with Isotope Labeling!
Not stopping there, DPST supports both light and heavy isotope labeling at the cellular level, improving the signal-to-noise ratio through MS2 quantitative reporter ions, all without adding to spectral complexity. This advancement marks a significant leap forward in protein analysis.
Mapping the Protein Landscape!
With the power of this novel cross-linker, researchers successfully charted the protein interaction network in primary neurons sourced from a single embryo mouse. They also made strides in quantitatively detecting fleeting and weak interactions in dynamic liquid-liquid phase separation environments, opening new avenues for cellular research.