6.1 Mass spectrometry
Mass spectrometry (MS) determines protein molecular weights by analyzing
mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) in a three-step process: converting
molecules into gas-phase ions, separating ions based on m/z ratios, and
quantifying ion quantities for specific m/z values. Common ionization
methods include electrospray-ionization, matrix-assisted laser
desorption ionization (MALDI), and surface-enhanced laser
desorption/ionization (SELDI) [62].
GF1, IGF2, A2GL, and other blood proteins have potential as breast
cancer biomarkers, with MS used to detect and quantify them along with
interleukin-12, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and human growth
hormone in human samples. MS also reveals drug administration and
metabolite distribution within the body, aiding in analyzing novel
treatments and therapeutic processes [63].