Program in Bioinformatics & Proteomics/Genomics : Proteomics Core Lab - Introduction

	Proteomics
	Director, Proteomics Core Laboratory (PCL) phone: 419-383-6102 fax: 419-383-3251 email:

The "proteome" is the complete set of proteins in a cell, which includes information on their relative abundance, spatial distribution and modifications. Proteomics is a rapidly emerging set of technologies that are being used to identify proteins and map their interactions in a cellular context. Recent interest in proteomics has been fueled by the completion of multiple genome projects and ignited by the common need of biologists to rapidly and comprehensively evaluate complex samples of proteins on a global level. With the sequencing of genomes of many biological model organisms, the scope of proteomics has shifted from protein identification and characterization to analyses of protein structure, function and protein-protein interactions.
Mass spectrometry (MS) is the key component of proteomic technology. MS measures the molecular mass (Mr), an intrinsic property of an analyte (protein/peptide), with high degree of accuracy (>100 ppm), sensitivity (femtomole) and speed. These experimentally determined accurate masses (usually of peptides from a protein digest) are then used as constraints in a database query, which should result in the identifications of the protein.
Applications of mass spectrometry and proteomic technology in the field of biology are very broad. Proteomic approaches are most commonly used to:

1. characterize a purified protein
2. study the protein expression changes between two cell populations, which could reveal biomarkers and/or novel targets for therapy (normal vs. cancerous tissue; drug treated vs., untreated, infected vs. uninfected, etc.)
3. establish subcellular proteomes (mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.)
4. identify interacting proteins
5. identify post-translational modifications such as acetylation or phosphorylation.

The University of Toledo Proteomics Core Laboratory (PCL) initiative began in 2002 with the intention of meeting the proteomic needs of researchers in Northwest Ohio, including the University of Toledo (prior to the merger) and Bowling Green State University. With its high quality service, and competitive pricing, the UT PCL is fast becoming a leading regional center in proteomics. The PCL is open to possible collaboration or consultation in addition to standard fee-for-service arrangements.

Director, Proteomics Core Laboratory (PCL)
phone: 419-383-6102
fax: 419-383-3251
email: