PROTEOMICS SHARED RESOURCEThe overall goal of the Proteomics and Molecular Characterization Shared Resource is to provide a widerange of state-of-the-art protein analysis services for KCC investigators. These services are grouped intothree major areas: 1) Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry performs experiments designed to helpinvestigators identify and characterize proteins on a global scale (e.g. expression levels, protein complexes,post-translational modifications). Protein identification is accomplished with mass spectrometry (SELDI andMALDI TOP and LC ESI). Currently, 2-Dimensional PAGE analysis is the predominant platform used todefine differences in protein expression between experimental samples, but we have made significant effortsto expand the services to include multidimensional chromatography-based approaches. In our estimation,this will be the preferred workflow for many investigators especially those involved with clinical studiesbecause the HPLC analysis requires significantly less starting material and because of less variabilitycompared with the gel based separations. Commercial kits for isotopic labeling (e.g. SILAC, ICAT andITRAQ) as well as 18O labeling of tryptic peptides are being developed for KCC members. 2) Protein andPeptide Chemistry provides peptide synthesis services for KCC investigators at very reasonable costs. Inaddition to routine peptides, the resource has successfully synthesized many specialized peptidesTheresource has been successful in synthesizing extremely long peptides (up to 69 residues), as well as cyclicpeptides. 3) Molecular Interaction provides access to instrumentation for characterizing protein/proteininteractions. These instruments include a Biacore 3000 SPR biosensor, Kinexa 3000, and an IsothermalTitration Calorimeter. In addition to the services contained within these Divisions, the shared resourceprovides users access to a SELDI-TOF mass spectrometer, a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, Typhoon9400 Gel Imager, UV spectrometer, as well as equipment for sonication, vacuum centrifugation, andlyophilization.The services and equipment made available by this shared resource play an important role in the currentand future research plans of KCC investigators. This shared resource underwent significant managementchanges in December 2006 to improve the resource by integrating two active research laboratories whoseresearch is focused on proteomics and mass spectrometry. Our goals are threefold: 1) to increase thenumber of services available to researchers; 2) to reduce costs and increase chargebacks; and 3) to bringnew instrumentation to the resource. Additionally, usage is expected to increase as the resource beginsoffering new services based on LC/MS proteomics workflows and protein microarrays. These changes willimprove the capabilities while decreasing the overall costs of running the Facility.
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