With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Acquisition Program, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at San Francisco State University will acquire a highly sensitive, rapid-scanning ion-trap mass spectrometer with a versatile liquid chromatography interface. The instrument will be used for research on a variety of topics including (a) organic reaction mechanisms and molecular recognition; (b) protein structure and the identification of plasma membrane proteins; (c) inhibitor interactions with the prostate-specific membrane antigen; (d) protein-protein interactions related to the styrene metabolism pathway; (e) covalent inhibitors of orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase; (f) mapping palmitoylation sites on Wnt proteins related to embryogenesis; (g) characterization of cell surface kinasis and identification of binding partners, and (f) protein expression in rice related to the development of bacterial pathogen resistance.
Liquid Chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (LCMS) is a powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. It probes structural details and molecular weights of organic, bioorganic and inorganic molecules. It has become an indispensable tool for solving problems in virtually all fields requiring chemical analysis. Undergraduates and graduate students will use the instrument in their research projects and educational training activities. Mass spectrometry has been integrated into the chemistry/biochemistry curriculum at several levels and is a component of several courses.
