Mass spec-based proteomics technique gets big results from single sample

A new mass spec-based proteomics technique is getting big results from a single sample, quantifying nearly all peptides and proteins.

Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is a founded research method; however, it may not be getting the best results achievable. Current analysis lacks the speed, quantitative accuracy, specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility required to produce complete and quantitative proteome maps of biological systems.

That is why a new mass-spec based proteomics technique may be of significant interest to researchers. The system uses a data-independent MS/MS acquisition method to systematically generate complete, high-specificity fragment ion maps that can be queried for the presence and quantity of any protein of interest using a targeted data analysis strategy.

Ruedi Aebersold, Ph.D., Professor, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, said: "SWATHTM Acquisition allows us to explore multiplexed MS/MS datasets to a level that was not possible with traditional clustering or database approaches.

"By collaborating with AB SCIEX to develop the technique on the TripleTOFTM 5600, we have made this breakthrough method available for proteomics researchers to conduct comprehensive quantitation on the entire proteome."

Posted by Fiona Griffiths