About the Lab:
The laboratory was originally established in 1989 with a grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation given to the former Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research. The laboratory’s technology focus has evolved over the last decade from a largely microchemical approach to characterizing proteins via automated Edman Degradation to a mass spectrometry based approach. Our services are offered to a large clientele from both academic and corporate entities in the US and abroad. The laboratory offers both ESI and MALDI based ionization mass spectrometry services however we have focused on the development of very high sensitivity gel based analyses using advanced state-of-the-art MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. The two MALDI TOF instruments from Shimadzu Biotech (Axima QIT, and Axima TOF2) provide both accurate MS and true tandem (MS/MS) capabilities at sub femptomole levels for peptides. The lab offers several proteomic mass spectrometry based services which will be discussed in detail in subsequent sections. Often times one spends several weeks in the preparation of a protein sample for analysis. This analysis may involve identification of the protein or characterization of chemical or post-translational modifications. The way the sample is prepared is crucial to the types of techniques that can be employed and the success in characterization. One of the goals of this web site is to educate you on the technology employed and to advise you on your sample preparation so as to optimize your chances of success. Depending on the techniques employed for characterization I will assist you in data evaluation and interpretation so that you are comfortable with the information and can further pursue your projects.
Director: John Leszyk, PhD