Peptide Spectral Library Generation Using Multiple Regression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for structural elucidation of complex molecules using tandem mass spectrometry face low success rates due to incomplete databases, inadequate software, and the inability to effectively handle multiplexed spectra, which are further complicated by the lack of automatic species assignment in local mass spectral libraries.

Innovation Solution

A workflow and mathematical principles are introduced for generating and searching fragment ion spectra using a multiple regression model, allowing for the identification and scoring of new experimental data against a local mass spectral library, which includes quality control measures and statistical validation to detect multiplexed spectra and estimate precursor abundances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional database searching techniques are used for spectral identification, then the highest scoring match is reported, but multiplexed spectra are not detected and species assignment information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral identification accuracyVSAvoidmultiplexed spectra detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectral identification process into multiple stages: initial database searching to generate candidate matches, followed by linear algebraic decomposition to separate multiplexed spectra into individual precursor contributions. This segmentation allows both conventional matching and advanced decomposition to work together, recovering information that would be lost in a single-pass approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational framework using linear algebra and matrix decomposition that acts as a mediator between the observed multiplexed spectrum and the individual precursor spectra. This intermediary process decomposes the mixed spectrum into constituent parts, enabling species assignment information to be recovered and associated with each precursor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If local mass spectral libraries are used for identification, then product ion intensity reproducibility is utilized, but automatic species assignment information is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct ion intensity reproducibilityVSAvoidautomatic species assignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary database searching and spectral matching before the decomposition step, generating candidate species assignments in advance. These preliminary results are then integrated with the linear algebraic decomposition results, allowing automatic species assignment to be performed by combining pre-computed match information with the mathematical separation of multiplexed spectra.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a single isolation window contains multiple precursor ions, then multiplexing occurs, but the ability to resolve various multiplexed components is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral acquisition throughputVSAvoidmultiplexed component resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of resolving multiplexed spectra through instrument parameters with a mathematical/computational approach using linear algebra. Instead of physically separating precursors before analysis, the system uses matrix decomposition algorithms to mathematically separate the contributions of multiple precursors from their combined spectrum, achieving resolution through computation rather than physical separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3002696B1Methods for generating, searching and statistically validating a peptide fragment ion library
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 THERMO FINNIGAN LLC
  • EP3002696B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP3002696B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3002696B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods for generating, searching, and statistical validation of tandem mass spectra generated on a unique mass spectrometer system are disclosed. Library generation methods apply quality control measures to generate a high-quality local mass spectral library, such as of peptides, from matches to entries in general or public mass spectral libraries. Local library searching methods apply a multiple regression model to identify and score new experimental data against the generated library. An f-test can be computed to estimate the validity of a regression model. If the f-test passes, it indicates that at least one or more calculated coefficients are statistically significant. Each coefficient can then also be tested in terms of its respective statistical contribution to the model's validity, using a t-test. Since a spectrum is represented as a linear combination, if multiple coefficients are statistically significant, then multiplexed spectra are indicated.