Sensitive Hybrid Mass Spectrometer for Low Input Functional Proteomics

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 549877627

We request support to purchase a fast and sensitive nanoflow-liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) system for functional proteome analysis of abundance-limited (low-input) samples in signaling research. Decoding molecular mechanisms underlying biological signal integration is a central aim of the cluster of excellence CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, a major focus of research at the Faculty of Biology and an integral part of the key research area "Signals of Life" of the University of Freiburg. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a key enabling technology for signaling research, as it enables unbiased determination of changes in post-translational modifications, protein interactions and protein abundance. In addition, many signaling processes are strictly confined in time and space, requiring efficient analysis of low-input samples such as sorted cells and (micro)dissected tissues. Currently, researchers at CIBSS and the Faculty of Biology are lacking access to instruments with sufficient sensitivity to analyze such samples. The requested instrument is urgently required to 1) extend the capabilities for highly sensitive analyses of post translational protein modifications in abundance-limited samples and 2) to provide sufficient measurement capacity for CIBSS, the Faculty of Biology, and the group of the lead applicant, who was recently recruited to the University of Freiburg. The instrument will be operated by the group of the lead applicant, ensuring reliable operation by experienced permanent staff members. The instrument will be accessible as a research infrastructure via the Proteomics Unit Biology, a recently established Shared Facility of the Faculty of Biology.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Empfindliches Hybrid-Massenspektrometer für funktionelle Proteomanalysen mengenlimitierter Proben
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Pitter Huesgen