Automated de novo protein sequencing of monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract

<i>De novo</i> protein sequencing of monoclonal antibodies is required when the cDNA or the original cell line is not available, or when characterization of posttranslational modifications is needed to verify antibody integrity and effectiveness. We demonstrate that Comparative Shotgun Protein Sequencing (CSPS) based on tandem mass spectrometry can reduce the time required to sequence an antibody to 72 hours, a dramatic reduction as compared to the classical technique of Edman degradation. We therefore argue that CSPS has the potential to be a disruptive technology for all protein sequencing applications.