Pathway-Informed Discovery and Targeted Proteomic Workflows Using Mass Spectrometry.

Recent advancements in mass spectrometry (MS) and data analysis software have enabled new strategies for biological discovery using proteomics. Proteomics has evolved from routine discovery and identification of proteins to integrated multi-omics projects relating specific proteins to their genes and metabolites. Using additional information, such as that contained in biological pathways, has enabled the use of targeted protein quantitation for monitoring fold changes in expression as well as biomarker discovery.

Instrument contributions to resolution and sensitivity in ultra high performance liquid chromatography using small bore columns: comparison of diode array and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry detection.

UHPLC with DAD-UV detection or in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) has proven to be a robust and widely applicable platform for high sensitivity analyses of many types of chemical compounds. The majority of users employ narrow bore columns with 2.1mm internal diameter (ID) typically exhibiting very high efficiencies (>200,000 plates/m).

Wavelet-based peak detection and a new charge inference procedure for MS/MS implemented in ProteoWizard's msConvert.

We report the implementation of high-quality signal processing algorithms into ProteoWizard, an efficient, open-source software package designed for analyzing proteomics tandem mass spectrometry data. Specifically, a new wavelet-based peak-picker (CantWaiT) and a precursor charge determination algorithm (Turbocharger) have been implemented. These additions into ProteoWizard provide universal tools that are independent of vendor platform for tandem mass spectrometry analyses and have particular utility for intralaboratory studies requiring the advantages of different platforms convergent on a particular workflow or for interlaboratory investigations spanning multiple platforms.

Proteomics of Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu): Identification of Extracted Proteins by Three Independent Methods.

Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) is an excellent organism to generate reference samples for proteomics laboratories because of its moderately sized genome and very little sequence duplication within the genome. We demonstrated a stable and consistent method to prepare proteins in bulk that eliminates growth and preparation as a source of uncertainty in the standard. We performed several proteomic studies in different laboratories using each laboratory's specific workflow as well as separate and integrated data analysis.

High-throughput SISCAPA quantitation of peptides from human plasma digests by ultrafast, liquid chromatography-free mass spectrometry.

We investigated the utility of an SPE-MS/MS platform in combination with a modified SISCAPA workflow for chromatography-free MRM analysis of proteotypic peptides in digested human plasma. This combination of SISCAPA and SPE-MS/MS technology allows sensitive, MRM-based quantification of peptides from plasma digests with a sample cycle time of ∼7 s, a 300-fold improvement over typical MRM analyses with analysis times of 30-40 min that use liquid chromatography upstream of MS. The optimized system includes capture and enrichment to near purity of target proteotypic peptides using rigorously selected, high affinity, antipeptide monoclonal antibodies and reduction of background peptides using a novel treatment of magnetic bead immunoadsorbents.

Development of a pharmaceutical hepatotoxicity biomarker panel using a discovery to targeted proteomics approach.

There is a pressing and continued need for improved predictive power in preclinical pharmaceutical toxicology assessment as substantial numbers of drugs are still removed from the market, or from late-stage development, because of unanticipated issues of toxicity. In recent years a number of consortia have been formed with a view to integrating -omics molecular profiling strategies to increase the sensitivity and predictive power of preclinical toxicology evaluation. In this study we report on the LC-MS based proteomic analysis of the effects of the hepatotoxic compound EMD 335823 on liver from rats using an integrated discovery to targeted proteomics approach.

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for major depression confirm relevance of associated pathophysiology.

Individual characteristics of pathophysiology and course of depressive episodes are at present not considered in diagnostics. There are no biological markers available that can assist in categorizing subtypes of depression and detecting molecular variances related to disease-causing mechanisms between depressed patients. Identification of such differences is important to create patient subgroups, which will benefit from medications that specifically target the pathophysiology underlying their clinical condition.

Efficient fractionation and improved protein identification by peptide OFFGEL electrophoresis.

The sample fractionation steps conducted prior to mass detection are critically important for the comprehensive analysis of complex protein mixtures. This paper illustrates the effectiveness of OFFGEL electrophoresis with the Agilent 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator for the fractionation of peptides. An Escherichia coli tryptic digest was separated in 24 fractions, and peptides were identified by reversed-phase liquid chromatography on a microfluidic device with mass spectrometric detection.

RNase E maintenance of proper FtsZ/FtsA ratio required for nonfilamentous growth of Escherichia coli cells but not for colony-forming ability.

Inactivation or deletion of the RNase E-encoding rne gene of Escherichia coli results in the growth of bacterial cells as filamentous chains in liquid culture (K. Goldblum and D. Apirion, J.

An evaluation, comparison, and accurate benchmarking of several publicly available MS/MS search algorithms: sensitivity and specificity analysis.

MS/MS and associated database search algorithms are essential proteomic tools for identifying peptides. Due to their widespread use, it is now time to perform a systematic analysis of the various algorithms currently in use. Using blood specimens used in the HUPO Plasma Proteome Project, we have evaluated five search algorithms with respect to their sensitivity and specificity, and have also accurately benchmarked them based on specified false-positive (FP) rates.

An atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization ion trap with enhanced sensitivity.

When atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-MALDI) became commercially available, the technique generated a great deal of interest because ion production was decoupled from mass analysis. Mass accuracy and resolution were therefore dependent on parameters governing the mass analyzer rather than the matrix and sample preparation. Researchers have successfully used AP-MALDI sources with both orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oaTOFMS) and ion trap mass spectrometers.