Native mass spectrometry: a bridge between interactomics and structural biology

Native mass spectrometry is an emerging technology that allows the topological investigation of intact protein complexes with high sensitivity and a theoretically unrestricted mass range. This unique tool provides complementary information to established technologies in structural biology, and also provides a link to high-throughput interactomics studies, which do not generate information on exact protein complex-composition, structure or dynamics. Here I review the current state of native mass spectrometry technology and discuss several important biological applications. I also describe current experimental challenges in native mass spectrometry, encouraging readers to contribute to solutions.