MSLIFE

Integrating high performance mass spectrometry tools with application in life science

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Recent advances of biopolymer mass spectrometry - first highlighted by the Nobel Prize-awarded “soft ionization” methods - have opened new applications in life sciences, such as the identification of proteins from complex biological material (proteomics). A number of high performance mass spectrometry technologies and hyphenated separation methods have become amenable; however, their efficient exploration and integration in interdisciplinary biochemical and biomedical applications is still in the initial phase. In this project an effective exchange scheme of staff will be established between European laboratories of different application areas, and leading American Centers of high performance biopolymer mass spectrometry. Joint research projects through exchange of coworkers will focus on the determination of protein structures and pathophysiological structure modifications; the identification of the assembly and topology of large protein complexes; development and application of disease-related quantitative proteome analysis; characterization of protein conformations and misfolding/aggregating proteins; applications to elucidate protein-biopolymer interactions and molecular recognition structures using new tools of bioaffinity-mass spectrometry. The principal goals of this project are (i), to establish new technologies of mass spectrometry in important life science applications such as the identification of biomarkers for disease diagnostics; and (ii), to provide a basis, through exchange of coworkers, for the integration of mass spectrometry tools with biochemical and biomedical technologies. This project will contribute to (i), integrate interdisciplinary applications of biopolymer mass spectrometry in life sciences; (ii), enhance exchange and collaboration between European and North-American academic laboratories; (ii) the graduate and postgraduate education of young researchers in mass spectrometry in life sciences.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Recent applications of mass spectrometry to large and complex proteins are producing amazing insights into disease markers and processes. A powerful union between European and North American labs is pioneering new applications and methodologies.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The physical force needed to deflect a rock thrown in the air is related to the rock's mass. Similarly, atoms can be deflected by magnetic fields if they are first ionised, separating them into some free negatively charged electrons and positive ions. The size of the magnetic field required to displace them a given amount depends on their mass. This is the simple principle behind mass spectrometry, a technique that has been used for the last hundred years to determine the elemental components of samples ionised in a vacuum.

Applying the methodology to complex and large biological macromolecules such as proteins (mass spectrometry-based proteomics) has become possible recently. The development of soft ionisation techniques that can transform macromolecules into ions was the key. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is advancing at an amazing rate, opening a window on fundamental biological processes.

In order to foster this burgeoning new field, an exchange programme and collaboration is underway between top European and North American academic laboratories. It is supported by EU funding of the project 'Integrating high performance mass spectrometry tools with application in life science' (MSLIFE).

Project scientists are focused on the application of mass spectrometry to the life sciences, developing new technologies for identifying biomarkers of diseases and facilitating integration of mass spectrometry tools with biochemical and biomedical technologies. Among the topics being investigated are protein structure modifications that result in pathophysiology, protein conformation-dependent misfolding and molecular recognition structures.

Work has been particularly prolific within the first reporting period. Results on characterisation of cells in the nervous system and on a novel tool for rapid diagnosis of an inherited disease have already been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Work has also been presented at national and international conferences.

MSLIFE is strengthening ties between prominent European and North American academic laboratories through joint work on mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The union is proving to be particularly fruitful and is expected to lead to important new methodologies to help identify and fight disease.