probing blood plasma protein glycosylation with infrared spectroscopy

The BIRD-team observed the glycosylation patterns of blood plasma proteins using infrared spectroscopy. The scientists started from a blood plasma sample symbolized here with a drop of blood and separated the proteins therein using ion-exchange chromatography. As the fractions elute from the chromatographic column, the team recorded their infrared molecular fingerprints, which carry information about protein structure and post-translational modifications, in particular, glycosylation. The aim is to make plasma protein glycosylation analysis robust and accessible, bringing it closer to clinical applications.

Image: Dennis Luck & Alexander Gelin