Fragmentation hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry: A review of methodology and applications

The ability of proteins to function is intricately connected to proper folding and other environmental parameters. Methods and tools that are able to report back on structure and dynamics in native or otherwise desired environment are of utmost importance as they can be used to connect structure and function and provide us with deeper mechanistic understanding of the underlying principles involved. Besides, they might be useful in the verification of material quality and provide assurance of efficacy and soundness of experimental observations made with such materials. Hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry is one of those tools. It combines the universality of a “native” chemical labeling approach with an almost equally universally applicable detection scheme based on mass spectrometry that has already revolutionized proteomic research as a whole in the past. This review focuses on the concepts of the exchange method, advances in methodology that have made specifically the fragmentation hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry approach so successful, broadly surveys some of the application space, and highlights the most recent use in the area of biopharmaceutical development.

► Fragmentation hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry approach is reviewed.
► Hydrogen exchange data is found to be complementary to crystal structure data.
► Hydrogen exchange provides dynamic insights to elucidate the mechanism of action of proteins.
► Most recent applications to biopharmaceuticals and the development process are highlighted.