Objective:

To summarize recent advancements in mass spectrometry related to protein transport, cancer research, and doping detection.

Approach:

• Vesicle Transport Mapping: Researchers at HKUST used vesicle reconstitution and quantitative mass spectrometry to explore protein transport through the Golgi, identifying new cargo clients and regulatory factors.
• RNA Condensates in Kidney Cancer: A study at Texas A&M utilized various molecular techniques to investigate RNA condensates in translocation renal cell carcinoma and developed a nanobody tool to disrupt these structures.
• Doping Detection Method: A team at the German Sport University Cologne created a simplified LC–MS³ method for detecting anabolic steroid esters in dried blood spots, improving the efficiency of anti-doping analysis.

Key Findings:

• CAB45 identified as an AP-1–dependent cargo and ATRAP as an AP-4–dependent cargo.
• Disruption of WDR44 or PRRC1 leads to accumulation of AP-4 cargos at the TGN, affecting autophagy.
• PSPC1 enhances tumor growth by stabilizing RNA condensates in tRCC.
• The engineered nanobody tool effectively dissolves RNA condensates, halting cancer growth.
• The LC–MS³ method allows sensitive detection of steroid esters without chemical derivatisation.

Interpretation:

Conclusion:

Sources:

• PNAS
• Nature Communications
• Journal of Mass Spectrometry