Cross-linking/mass spectrometry to get a closer view on protein interaction networks

Just recently, chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has emerged as valuable tool to study protein interaction networks on the system-wide level. The current challenges in XL-MS are to develop robust workflows enabling a comprehensive capture of dynamic biological assemblies in their native environment in a routine manner. In this review, we will highlight both the latest technological developments as well as selected applications of XL-MS for investigating protein networks in cells, organisms, and tissue. In addition, different bioinformatics tools for data analysis will be presented. In light of these exciting new developments, XL-MS can be expected to become one of the most versatile techniques to address important biological questions in a timely manner.