Best of the Week: Profiling Endoenous Protein Complexes, Previewing Riva 2026

This past week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on hot topics in separation science. We first explored a new study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University, and they highlighted how native mass spectrometry (MS) as an effective tool for studying biological regulation. Also, the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and the 21st GC×GC Symposium is taking place in Riva del Garde, Italy, in May. Why should you attend? We answer that question here.

This is the Best of the Week.

Native Capillary Electrophoresis–Mass Spectrometry Enables Quantitative Profiling of Endogenous Protein Complexes

Researchers at Michigan State University recently developed a label-free quantitative native proteomics workflow using native capillary zone electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (nCZE-MS) to profile endogenous protein assemblies, known as complexoforms, in complex biological samples. In an interview with LCGC International, Fei Fang and Liangliang Sun describe how their approach enables sensitive, proteome-scale analysis of intact proteoforms and higher-order complexes under near-physiological conditions (1). Applying the method to Escherichia coli, the team quantified changes in complexoform expression between growth phases, revealing dynamic protein reorganization linked to stress adaptation and highlighting native MS as a powerful tool for studying complex biological regulation (1).

Riva Returns Alive and Kicking

Organizers of the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and the 21st GC×GC Symposium spoke with LCGC International about the highly anticipated return of this flagship separation science meeting, taking place May 17–22, 2026, in Riva del Garda, Italy (2). The biennial event will showcase advances in capillary GC and LC, electromigration methods, GC×GC, miniaturized systems, mass spectrometry coupling, data analytics, and sustainable technologies (2). With strong industry participation, plenary lectures, and dedicated opportunities for young scientists, the conference aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and community through in-person scientific exchange in a distinctive and informal setting (2).

Validated LC–MS/MS Method for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Thiopurine Metabolites in Red Blood Cells

In a recent study, a team of researchers from medical institutions in India validated a sensitive and specific liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of thiopurine metabolites 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, and 6-methylmercaptopurine in red blood cells. This method was designed to resolve some of the key challenges with existing assays (3). The researchers showed in their study how their method displayed excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, and specificity at therapeutic concentrations (3). By enabling reliable therapeutic drug monitoring, the approach supports optimized dosing and reduced toxicity in thiopurine therapy. Although validated using spiked samples, the authors stated that future studies should validate their method in patient populations before it is used in personalized medicine and routine clinical use (3).

Exercise-Induced Gut-Brain Axis Modulation in Autism: Insights from Chromatographic Metabolite Analysis

How does exercise influence autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? A recent study attempted to answer this question by having rats undergo six weeks of voluntary exercise. The researchers found that doing so significantly improved their social and cognitive behaviors, altered gut microbiota composition, and modulated short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitter levels (4). Fecal microbiota transplantation from exercised rats reproduced these behavioral and metabolic benefits, supporting a causal role for microbiota changes. Gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, while metabolites and neurotransmitters were measured using GC and LC–MS (4). The findings highlight exercise and microbiota-based interventions as promising strategies for alleviating ASD-related symptoms.

Chromatographic Profiling and Antibacterial Activity of Solvent-Extracted Shiitake Mushroom Compounds

Researchers from Thailand investigated the antibacterial activity of shiitake mushroom extracts prepared with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform, combining bioassays with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Although ethanol produced the highest extraction yield, ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the strongest antibacterial effects against multiple Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. GC–MS characterization identified bioactive compounds such as ergosterol and linoleic acid, known for their antimicrobial properties, as key contributors to this activity (5). The study highlights the importance of solvent selection in maximizing antimicrobial efficacy and suggests shiitake mushroom extracts as promising candidates for food preservation and alternative antibacterial applications (5).

References

1. Chasse, J. Native Capillary Electrophoresis–Mass Spectrometry Enables Quantitative Profiling of Endogenous Protein Complexes. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/native-capillary-electrophoresis-mass-spectrometry-enables-quantitative-profiling-of-endogenous-protein-complexes (accessed 2026-01-22).
2. Matheson, A. Riva Returns Alive and Kicking. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/riva-returns-alive-and-kicking (accessed 2026-01-22).
3. Chasse, J. Validated LC–MS/MS Method for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Thiopurine Metabolites in Red Blood Cells. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/validated-lc-ms-ms-method-for-therapeutic-drug-monitoring-of-thiopurine-metabolites-in-red-blood-cells (accessed 2026-01-22).
4. Chasse, J. Exercise-Induced Gut-Brain Axis Modulation in Autism: Insights from Chromatographic Metabolite Analysis. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/exercise-induced-gut-brain-axis-modulation-in-autism-insights-from-chromatographic-metabolite-analysis (accessed 2026-01-22).
5. Chasse, J. Chromatographic Profiling and Antibacterial Activity of Solvent-Extracted Shiitake Mushroom Compounds. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/chromatographic-profiling-and-antibacterial-activity-of-solvent-extracted-shiitake-mushroom-compounds (accessed 2026-01-22).