Proteomics

The NRC GHI has established a central proteomics technology platform housed at the Institute for Biological Sciences (IBS) at 100 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. This facility is accessible to all NRC research groups, as well as collaborating research organizations in universities, the private sector, and other countries. The NRC proteomics laboratory at IBS is one of the best-equipped laboratories of its kind in the country, with three quadrupole/time-of-flight, a triple-quadrupole and two matrix assisted laser disorption time-of-flight (MALDI-TOFMS) instruments. A spot cutter and an automated sample digester that are used to process samples prior to mass spectral analyses provide high-through put capability. In addition, the IBS facility is equipped to carry out high resolution, high sensitivity nanoLC-tandem mass spectrometry on trace level protein digests for detailed analysis of post-translational modifications (i.e. glycans, phosphates, nitrates, etc).

Proteomics includes not only the identification and quantification of proteins, but also the determination of their localization, modifications, interactions, activities, and, ultimately, their function. In this photo an NRC scientist works on a two- dimensional (2D) gel used for protein separation and identification.

Satellite proteomics analysis facilities are in place at other NRC institutes, most notably the Biotechnology Research Institute in Montreal, the Institute for Marine Biosciences (IMB) in Halifax, and the Plant Biotechnology Institute in Saskatoon (e.g. PBI has a well-equipped mass spectrometry and proteomics facility which provides NRC researchers and collaborators with access to equipment for automated excision, digestion, MS and MS/MS analysis of gel separated proteins, as well as expertise in protein and proteome analysis; IMB has an extensive set of MS technologies including an ion-trap).

The centre based at the IBS has provided LC-MS-MS analyses and protein identification on more than 5,000 samples for a number of GHI funded projects. The centre is also participating in a CIHR funded project on proteomics and molecular machines, and on a Genome Canada proteomics project with University of Toronto. Companies including Aventis Pasteur, Merck and Frosst, Hemosol, Neutrophic Biosciences, and Compatigene have also gained access to the proteomics core facility through service contract agreements.

For more information on the proteomics facility at IBS:
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/ibs.html

For more information on proteomics facilities at IMB:
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/imb.html

What is Mass Spectrometry?

A mass spectrometer, in simple terms, is a scale that weighs the chemical components of molecules.

Mass spectrometry at the Plant Biotechnology Institute.

Determining molecular weights has become an indispensable technology in a myriad different ways. For example, it is used to detect steroid use in athletes and dioxins in fish, to determine the composition of molecular species found in space and to monitor the breath of patients by anesthesiologists during surgery.

At NRC-IBS, mass spectrometry is used as a vital research tool, contributing to the development of vaccines and deepening our understanding of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

For more information on mass spectrometry facilities at PBI:
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/pbi.html

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Related Information

Institutes:

• NRC Genomics and Health Initiative