Bruker Daltonics, Mayo Clinic Collaborate on Proteomics

BILLERICA, Mass., Feb. 28 -- Bruker Daltonics Inc. announced yesterday a collaboration with Mayo Clinic in the field of proteomics that will focus on the development of novel, more efficient methods for protein analysis using Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS).

Proteomics looks at the function and role of proteins in healthy as well as disease states. Mass spectrometry plays a central role in identifying and quantifying proteins in cells and biological fluids (e.g., serum) providing insights into the biological basis of disease.

The objective of the collaboration between David Muddiman, director of the W.M. Keck FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic, and Bruker Daltonics is to further develop the applications of ultrahigh field FTMS toward the area of proteomics research. A modified Bruker Daltonics APEX FTMS system, equipped with a 9.4 Tesla superconducting magnet, was previously used at the DOE Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to characterize a bacterial proteome in just 3 hours using accurate mass measurements and automated MS/MS.

As part of the collaboration, Bruker Daltonics is now providing Mayo Clinic with its 12 Tesla FTMS system, optimized for proteome-wide measurements. The installation began yesterday with the 12 Tesla superconducting magnet, and is scheduled to be completed in March 2003.

Muddiman said, "There is simply nothing like ultrahigh field FTMS anywhere else. The application of FTMS technology directed solely at clinical problems is unique to Mayo and it will clearly advance molecular medicine, both at the basic-science and the patient-care levels."

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