TurboSEQUESTs

TurboSEQUESTs is a software tool used in proteomics for the identification of peptides and proteins from mass spectrometry data. Developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific, it is an extension of the SEQUEST algorithm, which is a widely used algorithm for searching peptide sequence databases. TurboSEQUEST aims to improve the speed and accuracy of peptide identification by implementing optimizations in its search engine and data processing capabilities.

The core principle behind SEQUEST, and by extension TurboSEQUEST, is to compare experimental tandem mass spectra to theoretical spectra generated from a database of potential peptide sequences. The algorithm calculates a similarity score, often referred to as a DTASelect score or similar metric, for each potential peptide match. Higher scores indicate a better match between the experimental and theoretical spectra, suggesting a higher probability of that peptide being present in the sample.

TurboSEQUEST incorporates various enhancements to accelerate this comparison process. These often include improved algorithms for spectrum preprocessing, more efficient database searching strategies, and optimized scoring functions. These improvements are particularly valuable when dealing with large datasets generated by high-throughput mass spectrometry instruments, enabling researchers to identify a greater number of proteins more rapidly. The software is often integrated into broader proteomics analysis workflows, assisting in the quantitative analysis and characterization of complex biological samples.