Attomole protein identification

The pursuit of attomole protein identification and peptide sequencing is driven by the need to work at these levels. Although greater confidence will be obtained in MS protein identifications with corrected and enlarged protein databases, identification at reduced amounts is essential. Improvements in mass spectrometers as well as low-level separation techniques are crucial to achieving this goal. Two-dimensional gel analysis of low abundance proteins has limited capabilities, especially for hydrophobic proteins. MS detection limits for peptides have improved by approximately one order of magnitude every 10 years. Detection of zeptomole levels for real samples should soon become a reality. 

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