GlycanAnalysis Plug-in: A database search tool for N-glycan structures using mass spectrometry

Abstract

Summary: Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS or MSn) is a potent technique for characterizing N-glycan structures. GlycanAnalysis searches a glycan database to support the identification of glycan structures from MS/MS spectra. It also calculates diagnostic ions of glycan structures registered in a glycan database (GlycomeDB or KEGG GLYCAN) and searches for MS/MS spectra of N-glycans that match diagnostic ions to determine the structures. This program functions as a plug-in for Mass++, a freeware mass spectrum visualization and analysis program. Availability and implementation: The executable files of Mass++ are available for free at http://www.first-ms3d.jp/english/. The GlycanAnalysis plug-in is included in the standard package of Mass++ for Windows.