Researchers Achieve First Signal On Cryogenic Mass Spectrometer

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) recently achieved first signal on the Cryogenic Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-FTMS) being developed at the school's Cardiovascular Proteomics Center (CPC). The Fourier transform mass spectrometer is the highest performance instrumentation currently available to those interested in structural characterization of proteins and other biomolecules. "When working to its full capacity, the Cryogenic MALDI-FTMS will greatly enhance how we study and understand disease," says Peter B. O'Connor, PhD, research associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry at BUSM and assistant director of the BUSM Mass Spectrometry Resource. "This technology will give us an unbiased view of a disease by identifying proteins by comparing their peptides to those predicted from a DNA database, which helps identify biomarkers for disease." O'Connor goes on to add that this new technology will also allow researchers to identify which proteins are where during certain stages of disease progression, enabling them to more positively identify disease and decide upon treatment options. ... "BIO":[ http://www.bio.com/newsfeatures/newsfeatures_research.jhtml;jsessionid=IMSKQQQGOBYGJR3FQLMSFEWHUWBNQIV0?cid=30500007]

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