Oligonucleotide Sequence Confirmation
…Using High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry
It is important to confirm the structure of oligonucleotides to be used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The use of modified oligonucleotides often precludes the use of enzymatic digestion combined with mass spectrometry for sequence confirmation. Tandem mass spectrometry can be used to reliably confirm the sequence of DNA and RNA, including modified oligos. Applications include sequence confirmation of known sequences, as well as denovo sequencing and identification of modified residues.
Novatia uses a unique approach that utilizes high resolution mass spectrometry and novel deisotoping and charge deconvolution software for MS-based oligonucleotide sequencing.
- View a detailed presentation on Novatia’s approach (PDF file)
- View a sample oligo sequence confirmation report (PDF file)
- First confirm the intact monoisotopic mass of the oligonucleotide by ESI/MS at high resolution.
- Select a single charge state ion or multiplex multiple charge state ions for MS/MS.
- Obtain MS/MS product ion spectra on a high resolution mass mass spectrometer using mass resolution of 30,000 FWHM or greater.
- Use Positive Probability, Ltd. (PPL) Respect deconvolution software to deisotope the MS/MS product ion spectra and obtain simplified fragment spectra yielding monoisotopic neutral masses.
- Compare the deisotoped product ion spectra to the list of predicted fragments calculated from the expected oligo sequence or “read” the sequence from the spectrum.
Mass Determination of Intact Oligo , 24-mer DNA, 7402.8 Da
Deconvoluted mass spectrum indicating mass of 7403 Da, obtained with Novatia’s ProMass Deconvolution software.
ESI mass spectrum with charge states labeled.
Oligonucleotide MS/MS Fragmentation Scheme
Schematic of oligonucleotide mass spectral fragmentation. Oligonucleotides fragment along the phosphate backbone producing a set of ions containing the 5’ terminus (a-B, b, and d) and another set of ions containing the 3’ terminus (w and y). Losses of H2O from these ion types are also common with d and w ions. The a-B ion is somewhat unique in that it involves base loss in addition to cleavage at the phosphate. James A. McCloskey et al, Anal. Chem. 1996, 68, 1989-1999.
LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS Product Ion Spectrum of 24-mer DNA. MS/MS of 6- charge state, m/z 1232.5, MW 7402.8 Da, 30,000 FWHM resolution. The resulting product ion spectrum is a complex mixture of ions with charges ranging from 1- to 6-.
Product Ion Scan After Charge Deconvolution and Deisotoping. 24-mer DNA after processing with PPL Respect algorithms
The resulting fragment spectrum is much simpler to interpret. Much of the sequence can be read from either end.
Raw MS/MS Data Inspection – 24-mer DNA. Evidence for mass 6308.04. Raw data with superimposed modeled isotope distribution of fragment ion with 5- charge at m/z 1261
Sequence Coverage of Deisotoped Fragments from 24-mer DNA
Observations
- DNA oligos produce a-B and w ions as the most abundant fragments.
- RNA oligos favor the production of y and c ions.
- Fragmentation at the 3’ side of T in DNA is often absent in MS/MS data, but one can usually assume a T is present at these locations and proceed with the sequencing. Alternatively, all-ions-fragmentation from in-source CID can enhance the signal from these fragment species.
- Complimentary fragment ions from both ends of the molecule provide dual confirmation of the sequence for ~20 residues. This allows sequence confirmation of up to 40-mer sequences with this approach.
- Mass accuracy on the fragments is typically 3 ppm or better.