Automated intensity descent algorithm for interpretation of complex high-resolution mass spectra

This paper describes a new automated intensity descent algorithm for analysis of complex high-resolution mass spectra. The algorithm has been successfully applied to interpret Fourier transform mass spectra of proteins; however, it should be generally applicable to complex high-resolution mass spectra of large molecules recorded by other instruments. The algorithm locates all possible isotopic clusters by a novel peak selection method and a robust cluster subtraction technique according to the order of descending peak intensity after global noise level estimation and baseline correction. The peak selection method speeds up charge state determination and isotopic cluster identification. A Lorentzian-based peak subtraction technique resolves overlapping clusters in high peak density regions. A noise flag value is introduced to minimize false positive isotopic clusters. Moreover, correlation coefficients and matching errors between the identified isotopic multiplets and the averagine isotopic abundance distribution are the criteria for real isotopic clusters. The best fitted averagine isotopic abundance distribution of each isotopic cluster determines the charge state and the monoisotopic mass. Three high-resolution mass spectra were interpreted by the program. The results show that the algorithm is fast in computational speed, robust in identification of overlapping clusters, and efficient in minimization of false positives. In similar to 2 min, the program identified 611 isotopic clusters for a plasma ECD spectrum of carbonic anhydrase. Among them, 50 new identified isotopic clusters, which were missed previously by other methods, have been discovered in the high peak density regions or as weak clusters by this algorithm. As a result, 18 additional new bond cleavages have been identified from the 50 new clusters of carbonic anhydrase.