Author(s)

Changjiu He, Xiaoyu Wang, Mingming Lyu, Xinye Bian

School of Computer Science and Technology, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.

In recent years, numerous theoretical tandem mass spectrometry prediction methods have been proposed, yet a systematic study and evaluation of their theoretical accuracy limits have not been conducted. If the accuracy of current methods approaches this limit, further exploration of new prediction techniques may become redundant. Conversely, a need for more precise prediction methods or models may be indicated. In this study, we have experimentally analyzed the limits of accuracy at different numbers of ions and parameters using repeated spectral pairs and integrating various similarity metrics. Results show significant achievements in accuracy for backbone ion methods with room for improvement. In contrast, full-spectrum prediction methods exhibit greater potential relative to the theoretical accuracy limit. Additionally, findings highlight the significant impact of normalized collision energy and instrument type on prediction accuracy, underscoring the importance of considering these factors in future theoretical tandem mass spectrometry predictions.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Spectral Prediction, Theoretical Limit

He, C. , Wang, X. , Lyu, M. and Bian, X. (2024) Research on the Upper Limit of Accuracy for Predicting Theoretical Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Journal of Computer and Communications, 12, 184-195. doi: 10.4236/jcc.2024.123011.