Proteomics Shared Resource

Manager: Amrita Cheema
akc27@georgetown.edu

Description

The Proteomics core is equipped to provide a broad spectrum of proteomics services to the research community. Our services include technologies for the fractionation of complex protein mixtures coupled with mass spectrometry. The first challenge of proteomics is separating a complex sample into individual proteins. The average sample may contain hundreds, even thousands, of different proteins. Many of those proteins will have similar properties making simple separation techniques ineffective.

Protein separation via electrophoresis has been a staple in proteomic research for years. The Proteomics core uses traditional 2-D gel electrophoresis for standard protein fractionation and also plans to introduce a liquid chromatography-based system. These two technologies will allow us the flexibility to work with our customers on the most appropriate technology platform for their specific samples and applications.

Equipment

Following protein fractionation, mass spectrometry is used to provide identifications of the fractionated proteins. We offer mass spectrometry analysis on a 4700 MALDI TOF TOF system currently. The core has acquired two new mass spectrometers viz. the 4800 Proteomics analyzer and the Q star elite LCMS/MS system. These instruments provide the researcher with a range of techniques to analyze different aspects of a fractionated protein sample. The core  provides two distinct mass spectrometry services, intact mass analysis (to identify masses of proteins/peptides in relatively pure solutions) and protein identification using peptide mass mapping (involving trypsin digestion of protein followed by mass spectrometry of the resulting peptide fragments).

For more detailed information about the services being currently offered and the pricing please refer to the sample submission form.

Detailed protocols and FAQ will be available shortly. The Proteomics core staff are available to discuss the specific details of any experiment.