Services

Mass spectrometry and protein identification

The Alberta Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility, operated by the Department of Biochemistry, is located in the Katz building on the University of Alberta North Campus. The facility provides in-house and outsourced mass spectrometry and proteomics services, including protein identification and molecular weight determination.

Over the past five years, the facility has supported 110 University of Alberta users and 37 off-campus users.

Experimental Approaches

Quantitative global proteomics

Quantitative global proteomics determines proteome content and is commonly used to identify differences between cell populations treated under different conditions. Proteins are isolated and digested with trypsin to generate peptides for mass spectrometry identification.

Affinity purification, including BioID

This assay identifies proteins near a protein of interest within the cell. Biotinylated proteins are captured with streptavidin beads and identified by mass spectrometry. We can lyse cell pellets, purify proteins with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads, and digest proteins into peptides using our KingFisher Duo purification systems, including 4°C and room-temperature instruments.

Targeted proteomics

Protein identification and MALDI-TOF mass determination of your samples. These complementary workflows can confirm recombinant protein expression and evaluate sample purity or degradation. The resulting data delivers unambiguous protein identification alongside accurate mass measurements, revealing whether your target protein is correctly expressed, fully intact, or structurally modified.

Mass spectrometry analysis

Discovery analysis: Data-Dependent Acquisition

We provide analyses on high-resolution, high-sensitivity mass spectrometers. Discovery analysis uses Data-Dependent Acquisition to identify proteins within a sample. Additional comprehensive or targeted approaches are available to quantify relevant proteins. We use Proteome Discoverer for analysis, Thermo Scientific's flexible, workflow-driven software platform used for identifying, quantifying, and analyzing complex qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry data.

Comprehensive quantitative analysis: Data-Independent Acquisition

For projects requiring comparison of protein composition across conditions, unlabeled digested protein samples can be analyzed using DIA. This method determines relative peptide intensity above a signal-to-noise threshold. We use Spectronaut for analysis, a specialized suite designed for high-throughput, comprehensive quantitative analysis of data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry proteomics data.

Extended data analysis

Our mass spectrometry specialists offer detailed data analysis. Please contact us to discuss the needs of your project.

For bulk discount orders, contact Jack Moore.