Steve Valentine, West Virginia University

C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry

Associate Professor & Eberly Family Professor of Chemistry

West Virginia University

Abstract: Native mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful approach for structural elucidation of large biomolecules. A number of technical and instrumental advances have enabled studies of diverse species ranging from protein machines to whole virus particles. However, biomolecules such as partially structured/unstructured proteins present a particular challenge to native MS. This presentation describes the development of new technology with advantages in sensitivity and functionality for the study of these challenging molecules. The methods offer the best opportunity to study biomolecule conformer formation with broad implications for the study of disease processes and the development of therapeutics.