# Structural mass spectrometry techniques for characterisation of plant and algal proteins

## TL;DR

This paper reviews structural mass spectrometry techniques that help study plant and algal proteins, which are challenging to analyze using traditional methods.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of structural mass spectrometry techniques tailored for plant and algal proteins, highlighting their advantages and recent applications.

## Key findings

- Structural mass spectrometry techniques like crosslinking and hydrogen–deuterium exchange are effective for analyzing plant proteins with intrinsic disorder.
- Recent case studies demonstrate the utility of these methods in understanding plant protein architecture and interactions.
- The review identifies areas where structural mass spectrometry could significantly advance plant and algal research.

## Abstract

Structural biology can offer valuable insights into the mechanisms and functions of key proteins within plant molecular and cellular systems. However, plant proteins present several specific challenges for structural analysis, including difficulties in expression and purification, significant intrinsic disorder, and extensive post‐translational modification. Structural mass spectrometry (MS) offers a complementary set of tools that can help overcome these obstacles and provide detailed structural and mechanistic information. In this review, we outline the principles and practical applications of the main structural mass spectrometry techniques, namely crosslinking, covalent labelling, hydrogen–deuterium exchange, and both intact (denaturing) and native MS. We also discuss recent case studies where structural MS has offered insight into the architecture, dynamics and interactions of proteins central to plant molecular and cell biology.

This review discusses the main structural mass spectrometry techniques and explains why they are especially effective for overcoming the specific challenges encountered in the structural biology of plant and algal proteins. It also showcases recent applications of structural mass spectrometry in plant and algal research and identifies areas where wider adoption of these methods could be particularly beneficial.