LC-coupled mass spectrometer for proteomics research

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 574147981

We request support for acquisition of a high-performance mass spectrometry system, which will significantly enhance the research infrastructure at the TUM University Hospital, Klinikum rechts der Isar. The system will play a central role in numerous interdisciplinary projects within clinical and translational research, enabling the molecular elucidation of complex disease mechanisms. A key focus will be the identification of disease biomarkers and the investigation of disease-relevant signaling pathways in oncology, infectious diseases, and neurology. The mass spectrometer will enable high-resolution analyses of post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, allowing for the precise detection of disease-associated molecular patterns. These insights will provide the foundation for the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In addition, the system will be employed in drug research to analyze molecular mechanisms of action, identify drug targets, and detect off-target effects at an early stage. The results will be critical for the preclinical validation of new compounds and the optimization of existing therapies. The application spectrum will be significantly broadened through access to patient-derived samples from one of Germany’s largest academic biobanks. The mass spectrometer will contribute to the molecular characterization of tumor and neural tissues, as well as body fluids such as plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. This will enable population-based biomarker studies and support the implementation of personalized therapeutic decisions. In the field of infectious disease research, the system will be used to detect low-abundance molecules such as cytokines and extracellular vesicles. It will allow the investigation of pathogenic protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions, thereby facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. The large datasets generated will be analyzed using the bioinformatics infrastructure of the Center for Digital Medicine and Health at Klinikum rechts der Isar. The integration of AI-driven data analysis will enable deep insights into disease processes and reveal previously unrecognized molecular patterns. This combination of cutting-edge mass spectrometry with advanced computational methods will be key to driving forward the development of personalized medicine. The proposed high-performance mass spectrometry system will serve as a strategic core instrument to substantially strengthen research capabilities at the site. It will advance the identification of molecular disease mechanisms, accelerate translational drug development, and enhance patient-centered diagnostics—ultimately contributing to long-term improvements in medical care.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: LC-gekoppeltes Massenspektrometer für die Proteomforschung
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München
• Leader: Professor Dr. Andreas Pichlmair