Generation of accurate peptide retention data for targeted and data independent quantitative LC-MS analysis: Chromatographic lessons in proteomics

Abstract

The emergence of data-independent quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis protocols further highlights the importance of high-quality reproducible chromatographic procedures. Knowing, controlling and being able to predict the effect of multiple factors that alter peptide RP-HPLC separation selectivity is critical for successful data collection for the construction of ion libraries. Proteomic researchers have often regarded RP-HPLC as a “black box”, while vast amount of research on peptide separation is readily available. In addition to obvious parameters, such as the type of ion-pairing modifier, stationary phase and column temperature, we describe the “mysterious” effects of gradient slope, column size and flow rate on peptide separation selectivity. Retention time variations due to these parameters are governed by the linear solvent strength (LSS) theory on a peptide level by the value of its slope S in the basic LSS equation—a parameter that can be accurately predicted. Thus, the application of shallower gradients, higher flow rates, or smaller columns will each increases the relative retention of peptides with higher S-values (long species with multiple positively charged groups). Simultaneous changes to these parameters that each drive shifts in separation selectivity in the same direction should be avoided. The unification of terminology represents another pressing issue in this field of applied proteomics that should be addressed to facilitate further progress.