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The Proteomics Core Facility

The Proteomics Core Facility in the Penn Genomics Institute is a service and collaborative research resource that balances applied proteomics research with the development of new and improved methods for protein identification, characterization, and quantification. The facility encourages collaborations that apply the tools of proteomics to cutting edge biomedical research.

How we operate

The Proteomics Core Facility is a center not only for services but also for basic and collaborative research and development of two-dimensional gel electrophoretic - and mass spectrometric-based techniques. Prospective users are encouraged to make their inquiries either by e-mail (ian@spirit.gcrc.upenn.edu), or stop by our facility on the eighth floor of BRB II/III.

Personnel

Scientific Director, Ian A. Blair, Ph.D., A.N. Richards Professor and Vice Chair of Pharmacology, Professor of Chemistry, Director, Center for Cancer Pharmacology
Email: ian@spirit.gcrc.upenn.edu

Technical Director, Chao-Xing Yuan, Ph.D. Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Email: yuancx@mail.med.upenn.edu

Instrumentation

The Proteomics Core Facility has the following instruments available for proteomics studies:

  • Amersham Biosciences Ettan Differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) system: This system is based on CyDyeTM DIGE fluors, a TyphoonTM variable-mode gel imager, and DeCyderTM differential analysis software. An Ettan robotic spot picker is available for automated analyses.
  • Applied Biosystems Voyager-DE Pro: This compact benchtop MALDI/MS instrument that provides the high resolution and mass accuracy required for analysis of peptides and proteins by MALDI/MS.
  • Applied Biosystems 4700: This MALDI/MS/MS instrument is equipped with 4700 Explorer Software for fully automated unattended batch mode acquisitions.
  • Applied Biosystems Q-Star Pulsar: The Q-star is highest-sensitivity hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer currently available. The accurate mass option peptide identification and location of post-translational modifications.
  • Thermo Finnigan LCQ Deca: This 3-Dimensional ion trap instrument has been used extensively in our laboratory for routine proteomics identification.
  • Thermo Finnigan LTQ-FT: The shorter duty cycle and ability to store forty times more ions than 3-Dimensional ion traps make this instrument particularly well suited high sensitivity assays. The LTQ-FT MS is interfaced to a Thermo Finnigan Surveyor HPLC system.
  • A GenoLogics laboratory information management system is currently being installed so that all users of the facility can monitor data from their desktop computers. The LIMS will eventually be used for sample submission and sample tracking.

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