Simplified validation of borderline hits of database searches

Proteomics. 2008 Oct;8(20):4173-7. doi: 10.1002/pmic.200800250.

Abstract

Along with unequivocal hits produced by matching multiple MS/MS spectra to database sequences, LC-MS/MS analysis often yields a large number of hits of borderline statistical confidence. To simplify their validation, we propose to use rapid de novo interpretation of all acquired MS/MS spectra and, with the help of a simple software tool, display the candidate sequences together with each database search hit. We demonstrate that comparing hit database sequences and independent de novo interpretations of the same MS/MS spectra assists in rapid examination of ambiguous matches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Databases, Genetic*
  • Databases, Protein
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Sequence Analysis, Protein
  • Software
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Validation Studies as Topic