SALSA and LC-MS/MS resolve site-specific sialic-acid linkages in glycopeptides
Researchers distinguished alpha-2,3 and alpha-2,6 linkages in N- and O-glycopeptides, including plasma samples.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology and Shimadzu reported an approach combining SALSA preparation with LC-MS/MS. It identifies glycopeptide modification sites and distinguishes alpha-2,3 from alpha-2,6 sialic-acid linkages across N- and O-linked species.
The study obtained site-specific linkage information from plasma that is difficult to obtain with conventional workflows. Laboratories considering the approach should evaluate sample preparation, instrument settings and identification criteria from the primary study.