Mass Spectrometry Unit

Activities

The Mass Spectrometry Facility offers proteomics services on a fee basis, and are interested in research collaborations with both investigators at IFOM-IEO Campus and outside. We provide assistance in scientific and technical matters necessary for a proteomics experiment. This includes assistance in pre-analysis set-up (i.e., how to do a mass-spec "compatible" IP, gel), and post-analysis assistance such as data interpretation. We accept in-gel or in-liquid samples. Analysis can be either/both via electrospray (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI) ionization techniques. We also offer gel facilities, use of a prep-LC, mass spectrometry-based protein quantitation, using iTRAQ technology, analysis of SILAC-labeled samples and AQUA quantitation (user provides labeled peptides).

Services offered:

• Protein ID - list of proteins contained in your gel or liquid samples
• Intact protein Molecular Weight - exact mass of a purified protein
• Detection & localization of PTMs (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, etc.)
• Protein quantitation: iTRAQ, SILAC, AQUA

Instrumentation:

1. an Ultra LTQ-FT, Thermo Electron, on-line with a 1100 Agilent nanoLC, for 1-dimensional RP HPLC separation prior to the mass spec analysis.

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2. Q-Star XL, Applied Biosystems, on-line with a 1100 Agilent nanoLC, for 1-dimensional RP HPLC separation prior to the mass spec analysis.

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3. 4800 MALDI TOF/TOF (AB)

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4. Dionex nano-LC coupled to a MALDI spotter

5. prep-scale 1200 Agilent HPLC, currently used for SCX