Collision cross-sections (CCS) of immunoglobulins G1 and G4 have been determined using linear drift-tube ion-mobility mass spectrometry. Intact antibodies and Fc-hinge fragments present with a larger range of CCS than proteins of comparable size. This is rationalized with MD simulations, which indicate significant in vacuo dynamics between linked folded domains. The IgG4 subclass presents over a wider CCS range than the IgG1 subclass.

Significance The Kai system is a widely studied model in theoretical biology and systems biology. It is to date the only known circadian clock that can be reconstituted in vitro. Essential to the rhythmicity of the system is the formation of the KaiC–KaiB complex. Many aspects of this interaction, such as the mode of binding of KaiB, the stoichiometry of the interaction, and the exact binding interfaces have long remained ambiguous. We present a mass spectrometry-based structural model of the KaiC–KaiB interaction that answers many of these outstanding questions on the basis of direct experimental evidence. This structural model sheds light on the intricate workings of the in vitro oscillator.

Prokaryotes mostly lack membranous compartments that are typical of eukaryotic cells, but instead, they have various protein-based organelles. These include bacterial microcompartments like the carboxysome and the virus-like nanocompartment encapsulin. Encapsulins have an adaptable mechanism for enzyme packaging, which makes it an attractive platform to carry a foreign protein cargo. Here we investigate the assembly pathways and mechanical properties of the cargo-free and cargo-loaded nanocompartments, using a combination of native mass spectrometry, atomic force microscopy and multiscale computational molecular modeling. We show that encapsulin dimers assemble into rigid single-enzyme bacterial containers. Moreover, we demonstrate that cargo encapsulation has a mechanical impact on the shell. The structural similarity of encapsulins to virus capsids is reflected in their mechanical properties. With these robust mechanical properties encapsulins provide a suitable platform for the development of nanotechnological applications.

Collision cross‐sections (CCS) of immunoglobulins G1 and G4 have been determined using linear drift‐tube ion‐mobility mass spectrometry. Intact antibodies and Fc‐hinge fragments present with a larger range of CCS than proteins of comparable size. This is rationalized with MD simulations, which indicate significant in vacuo dynamics between linked folded domains. The IgG4 subclass presents over a wider CCS range than the IgG1 subclass.

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