Proteomics Core Facility

MALDI Tandem Time-of-Flight MS

The ABI 4700 can be used for molecular weight measurements, peptide mass mapping, and high throughput screening assays using peptide reporters. In addition, tandem mass spectra can be acquired to structurally characterize compounds or determine peptide sequence.

Data can be presented in PowerPoint files or summarized in reports. Individual data files can also be exported to ASCII text upon request.

Quantification of Protein Biomarkers using Peptide Surrogates

Quantitative Assay Development
Infusion into the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer is used to obtain MS, MS/MS, and optimized collision energies to determine transitions for quantification of molecules by liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-MRM). Typical analysis time per peptide is 20 minutes.
Price: $89.76 USD per Hour

Peptides are synthesized in the solid state using standard FMOC chemistry. Because we use a 12 channel Symphony instrument, turnaround time is typically one week. The collaborator must specify the sequence, termini, amount (20-25 micromoles is typical), desired purity, and incorporation of modifications or stable isotope labels. Cost is dependent on the peptide.

LC-MS/MS protein identification includes sample preparation, denaturation, reduction/alkylation, tryptic digestion, and mass spectrometry analysis. Typically, 90 minute gradients are used for peptide separation with MS and MS/MS in ion trap (LTQ) or orbital ion trap (LTQ-Orbitrap) instruments.

Data are reported in Scaffold files, and instructions are provided for data interpretation and selection of high confidence results. The free Scaffold viewer is required, and it can be downloaded from Proteome Software.