Editorial [Hot Topic: Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules: New Developements (Executive Editor: P.M. Salzet)]

Recent developments in the field of mass spectrometry, especially in the instrumentation (MALDI and ESI ion sources) and electronic improvements in the past decade have placed this technique at the forefront of many biological applications. Recent studies performed these last years on the proteome have demonstrated the usefulness of this technology. The combination of mass spectrometry with classical biochemical methods has lead to the determination and identification of different proteins using proteomics studies in close relation with genome databases. Although such methods generally lead to the identification of novel proteins, they do not allow determining the cellular localization or regulation of peptide/proteins expression in tissues, cellular groups or single cells. New emerging technologies enable the development of alternative methodologies to address such questions. This is the aim of this issue of Current Pharmaceutical Design devoted of 6 reviews on mass spectrometry techniques from biomolecules (peptide/protein, DNA, glycosylation) analysis to Imaging assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), laser desorption mass spectrometry. The first article from G. Bolbach [1] (France) aims to give an overview of MALDI mass spectrometry and its applications for the analysis of non covalent complexes. It will focus on the condition for generating intact complexes, keeping in mind the present knowledge of fundamental processes. It will also describe its combination with specific chemical, biochemical and biological methodologies and strategies to address the fascinating role of such association in living systems The second review From C. Afonso and Colleagues [2] (France) is focused on the various surface modifications used in combination with laser desorption mass spectrometry and their application for the analysis of peptides and proteins. In the first hand, some modified surfaces are designed to enhance the laser desorption/ionization process, this includes the use of carbon, porous silicon surfaces and also immobilized matrix. In another hand chemical and biochemical modified surfaces developed to isolate species with more or less specific interactions can be used for on-slide sample clean-up before MALDI-MS analysis. In addition the different experimental devices as mass spectrometers and microfluidic devices used for such a purpose will be presented. The third review from W. Pusch and M. Kostrzewa [3] (Germany) gave an overview of the application of mass spectrometry in the fields of screening and diagnostic research. It point on the used of mass spectrometry methods to enable a very early diagnosis of diseases with minimally invasive methods of investigation. This type of high end screening application will have the potential to revolutionize the early diagnosis of many diseases. The fourth paper from J.L. Frahm and D.C. Muddiman [4] (USA) is a complete review on Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry analysis of DNA, RNA and peptide nucleic acid. The fifth paper from W. Morelle and J.C. Michalsky [5] (France) is devoted to the research field of glycobiology: the glycomics. The last one from S. Vandevoorde and D.M. Lambert [6] (Belgium) is a review disconnected to the focus of the mass spectrometry issue but focus on the Enzyme inhibition. References [1] Bolbach G. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Analysis of Non-Covalent Complexes: Fundamentals and Applications. Curr Pharm Design 2005; 11(20): 2535-2557. [2] Afonso C, Budimir N, Fournier F, Tabet J-C. Activated Surfaces for Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry: Application for Peptide and Protein Analysis. Curr Pharm Design 2005; 11(20): 2559-2576. [3] Pusch W, Kostrzewa M. Application of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry in Screening and Diagnostic Research. Curr Pharm Design 2005; 11(20): 2577-2591. [4] Frahm JL. Muddiman DC. Nucleic Acid Analysis by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century. Curr Pharm Design 2005; 11(20): 2593-2613. [5] W. Morelle and Michalski J-C. Glycomics and Mass Spectrometry. Curr Pharm Design 2005; 11(20): 2615-2645. [6] Vandevoorde S, Lambert DM. Focus on the Three Key Enzymes Hydrolysing Endocannabinoids as New Drug Targets. Curr Pharm Design 2005; 11(20): 2647-2668.