Hybrid mass spectrometer

• Subject Area: Plant Sciences
• Term: Funded in 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 428987924

Mass-spectrometry (MS) based proteomics has become an indispensable tool in molecular biology. Novel MS technologies enable highly sensitive and robust detection and quantification of proteins in complex biological samples, and allow to study protein complexes and posttranslational modifications. A hybrid mass spectrometer can be considered as a versatile 'workhorse' to address fundamental questions in this research area, because it allows to identify, quantify and confirm proteins from complex protein mixtures. The requested mass spectrometer will serve the need for high-resolution proteomics of several research groups at the Institute for Biology (IfB). The instrument is needed for state-of-the art analysis of biochemical processes in vivo and in vitro, ranging from bottom-up protein identification to (semi)quantitative and ultrasensitive proteomics. This includes the analysis of low-abundant plant protein complexes, posttranslational modifications and cell-type specific proteomes. Additionally, for shotgun proteomics, the ideal mass spectrometry system must be equipped with the high resolution and high mass accuracy analyser. When choosing the instrument, special attention was given to balance the sensitivity, robustness and speed, in order to accommodate the needs of the different applications of this instrument at the IfB. This is the first mass spectrometer at the IfB, and it is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the institute in molecular biology and protein biochemistry.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Hybrid-Massenspektrometer
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Kerstin Kaufmann