Rapid screening by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to probe binding specificity at enzyme active sites

The binding affinity of aspartate decarboxylase has been probed using MALDI-TOF spectrometry; adducts formed covalently in the active site were detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry after incubation of the enzyme with a range of potential ligands in the presence of NaCNBH3; this has highighted key structural features which will aid design of potential inhibitors.