Translational Metabolomics Shared Resource (TraMSR)

View Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation and Examples. (PDF)

The Mass Spectrometry core offers advanced multi-omics services for the identification and quantification of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, metabolites, small molecules, and complex carbohydrates. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), we provide comprehensive analytical capabilities to support a wide range of research needs, including the following areas:

Proteomics
Proteomics services provide identification, characterization, and quantification of proteins from complex biological samples and purified materials. We offer both in-solution and in-gel protein identification, utilizing trypsin or other proteolytic enzymes for digestion before mass spectrometry analysis. We support protein analysis from various enrichment techniques, including pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) for interaction studies, as well as proximity labeling techniques such as TurboID and APEX for interaction-based proteomics. For quantitative proteomics, we offer TMT-labeling, SILAC, and other advanced workflows to compare protein expression levels across multiple conditions. Additionally, we provide comprehensive post-translational modification (PTM) analysis, including phosphoproteomics, glycoproteomics, and S-S bond analysis to study disulfide bond formation and protein structural integrity.

Lipidomics
Lipidomics services enable the identification, characterization, and quantification of lipid molecules from various biological samples, including biofluids, tissues, and cell cultures. We analyze a wide range of lipid classes, including glycerolipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol, and fatty acids, using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Lipid extraction is performed using optimized protocols, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Lipid identification and annotation are conducted using advanced software tools such as LipidSearch and Compound Discoverer, ensuring high-confidence data interpretation. Additionally, we offer both targeted and untargeted lipidomics approaches, allowing for comprehensive profiling of lipid species and enabling studies on lipid metabolism, biomarker discovery, and disease mechanisms.

Metabolomics/small molecule analysis
Metabolomics and small molecule analysis services provide comprehensive identification, characterization, and quantification of metabolites and other small molecules from various biological samples, including biofluids, tissues, and cell cultures. We offer both targeted and untargeted metabolomics approaches using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Targeted metabolomics focuses on the precise quantification of known metabolites using reference standards, ensuring high accuracy and reproducibility. Untargeted metabolomics enables the discovery of novel or unexpected metabolic changes by profiling a wide range of metabolites without prior knowledge. Data analysis is performed using Compound Discoverer, m/zCloud, and ChemSpider software, providing accurate compound identification and metabolic pathway insights.

Glycomics
Glycomics services provide identification, characterization, and quantification of glycans from various biological sources, including glycoproteins, glycolipids, free oligosaccharides, lipid-linked oligosaccharides, and sugar nucleotides. Using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, we analyze both N-linked and O-linked glycans, offering insights into their composition, structure, and modifications. Glycans are released through enzymatic or chemical methods, followed by purification for MS analysis. Data interpretation is conducted through both manual curation and software-based analysis to ensure precise glycan identification and structural annotation. Additionally, we offer glycoproteomics services to investigate site-specific glycosylation, providing a comprehensive understanding of glycan function in health and disease.

Mass Spectrometry Common Services:

LC-MS/MS

• Proteomics
  • Protein ID
  • Quantitative proteomics
  • Protein post-translational modification (PTM) analysis (glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc)
• Lipidomics
• Metabolomics/Small Molecule
• Glycomics
  • N-glycan
  • O-Glycan
  • Glycolipid

IMS

• Lipidomics (glycerolipid, sphingolipid, etc.)
• Small Molecule
• Glycomics (N-glycan, Glycolipid)

MALDI

• Molecular weight analysis

The Redox and Bioenergetics core provides state-of-the-art instrumentation, cutting-edge techniques, and sophisticated expertise dedicated to investigating cancer cell metabolism and redox signaling, and to design custom probes for reactive oxygen species (ROS) for MCWCC members.

View Redox and Bioenergetics Instrumentation and Scientific Examples. (PDF)

Major services support analyses of:

• Cell bioenergetic function
  • Mitochondrial stress assay
  • Glycolytic stress assay
  • Fatty acid oxidation
  • ATP production rates
  • T-cell metabolic profiling
  • Bioenergetic substrate dependency
  • Bioenergetic profile dependency
  • Real-time monitoring of the effect of treatment on mitochondrial respiration
  • Analyses of mitochondrial complex I-IV activity in permeabilized cells
  • Analyses of respiration rates of isolated mitochondria

• Cell redox status
  • Redox status of GSH/GSSG redox couple
  • Redox status of NAD(P)H/NAD(P) redox couple
  • Redox status of cellular peroxiredoxins (redox blotting)

• ROS production
  • Superoxide production
  • Hydrogen peroxide production
  • Peroxynitrite production
  • Oxygen consumption (oxidative burst)

• Extra/Intracellular levels of selected metabolites
  • Monitoring uptake and efflux of bioenergetic substrates and products
  • Monitoring cellular levels of metabolic intermediates and products

• Uptake dynamics and retention of metabolism-modulating agents
  • Monitoring uptake and efflux of metabolism-modulating agents
  • Monitoring cellular levels of metabolism-modulating agents 

View Preclinical Imaging Instrumentation. (PDF)

• IVIS SpectrumCT: small animal bioluminescence and fluorescence, low dose X ray microCT and Cherenkov Luminescence imaging
• Small animal near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared imaging (SWIR)

View Quantitative Clinical Imaging Lab Services. (PDF)

• Patient tumor and lymph node measurements and volumetrics
• Clinical trial level reporting and audit support
• Cloud-based image repository and tools