Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Laboratory

Our laboratory is located at the Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology of the UNTHSC. It is a research-oriented laboratory; however, we offer sample analysis, data processing and interpretation by laboratory personnel for researchers in the UNTHSC and also to external academic institutions and industry. Prior arrangement with the Director of the Laboratory is required.

We have three LC-MS systems and a GC-MS (all from Thermo Scientific, San Jose, CA). Software resources include the proteomics software Bioworks, Sequest, Mascot, Scaffold, DeNovoX, etc., Metabolite ID, and many more.

Routine mass spectrometry and proteomic services include: MS, LC-MS, high resolution MS, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS, MSⁿ) protein identification by proteolytic digest, nano LC-MS/MS and database search, molecular weight determination. Please contact laszlo.prokai@unthsc.edu to discuss custom work such as complex proteomic analysis.

	Linear ion-trap / FT-ICR hybrid instrument for LC/LC/MS, high-resolution MS and MSⁿ, coupled with a NanoLC-2D (Eksigent) system that uses Microfluidic Flow Control to generate precise gradients for liquid chromatography (LC) at nanoscale flow rate and enables two-dimensional (2D) LC. This increases mass spectrometer sensitivity and improves identification of low-abundance proteins. A regular-flow HPLC system (Surveyor MS) is also available. The system provides ultra-high resolution and sensitivity coupled with sub-ppm mass accuracy. Available methods of ionization are electrospray (both regular and nanoflow), atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), atmospheric-pressure photoionization (APPI) and direct analysis in real time (DART). A chip-based infusion system (Triversa NanoMate) has also been installed for advanced/high throughput electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and combined on-line/off-line LC-MS.
	TSQ Quantum Ultra (Triple-stage quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer): Available methods of ionization are electrospray (both regular and high-temperature, HESI) and atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and atmospheric-pressure photoionization (APPI). High-performance liquid chromatographs (Surveyor LC and Eldex MicroPro) are connected to the TSQ Quantum Ultra, which permits separation at normal flow (0.2-2.0 mL/min, Surveyor) and microflow (5-20 μL/min, Eldex).
	qIT (Quadrupole ion trap, ESI/APCI, LC/MS, MSⁿ): Available methods of ionization are electrospray and atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI). An LC pump can be connected to perform routine LC-MS.
	PolarisQ (Quadrupole ion trap, GC/MS, EI/CI, MS/MS).This system can be used for separation of complex mixtures by gas chromatography and identification by mass spectrometry. Available methods of ionization: electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization (CI).