Isotope distribution encoded tags for protein identification

US6629040B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• University of Washington · US
• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• David R. Goodlett · Seattle, US
• James Bruce · Schwenksville, US
• Beate Rist · Giesen, DE
• Richard D. Smith · Richland, US
• Ruedi Aebersold · Mercer Island, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 20, 2000
• Grant date: Sep 30, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 20, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2458/15
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and reagents for identifying specific masses of compounds in a complex mixture. In particular, the present invention describes an isotope distribution encoded tag (IDEnT) concept wherein the ability to distinguish an analyte encoded with a non-native isotope from those not encoded with the isotope or from those encoded with a different isotope is used for protein identification, enzyme active site identification, peptide sequencing, and the like. Reagents used in the IDEnT strategy consist of a chemical element with a unique isotope distribution not normally found in the analyte class being studied, chemically bonded to, or an integral part of a chemical reagent with a high selectivity of affinity for specific functional group in the analyte.