CNCR Proteomics facility purchases new mass spectrometers

The Proteomics Facility provides researchers from the CNCR and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam (NCA) with expertise and state-of-the-art equipment for studying the identity, structure and interactions of proteins and protein complexes within the nervous system.

Mass Spectrometers
The facility recently purchased two new mass spectrometers. Besides protein identification, both machines serve their own special purpose. The AB-Sciex TOF/TOF 5800 Maldi system (see image underneath) allows fast and accurate iTRAQ experiments for quantification of the proteome. The Thermo Scientific LTQ-Orbitrap Discovery Mass Spectrometer is used to investigate protein modifications such as phosphorylation en ubiquitination. Both spectrometers are running 24/7 as the demand for proteomics data is high.

Recent Studies
The proteomics facility specializes in protein-protein interactions and elucidating the proteome composition under varying conditions. A current study in collaboration with the VUMC department of pathology for example, compares the proteome of human brain tissue in different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Data obtained by the facility is instrumental to many of CNCR’s publications. Some of the most recent are Klemmer et al, 2011, Dahlhaus et al, 2011 and Counotte et al, 2011.

Textbook
Earlier this year, CNCR proteomics expert Dr. Ka Wan Li edited a textbook on neuroproteomics. The book reviews and comments on many of the high-end techniques and analytical instruments that are part of neuroproteomics. It also provides step-by-step sets of instructions for conducting experiments and optimizing experimental conditions. Several members of the CNCR department of molecular and cellular neurobiology made contributions to the book.

Personnel
The personnel of the CNCR proteomics team is recently expanded and now includes Iryna Paliukhovich. She serves as the contact person for recordings on the AB-Sciex TOF/TOF 5800 Maldi system.