The broad expertise of our staff members both in clinical research and diseases provides the customers with several options of Sample Analysis. We have the possibility to do very basic analyses starting from identifying just a protein band on a gel or a soluble protein - or peptide sample. But we can also provide you with a full service on a clinical sample set-up starting from telling you how to collect relevant samples and patient material for your experiment, how to store them and how to analyze them. Finally we are also able to provide you with comprehensive analyses on the data you will collect in terms of statistical analyses and Systems Medicine and Systems Biology.
Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility Research Activities are divided into the following activity areas:
We provide services for clinicians for the whole process starting at patient sample collection and ending at high-throughput large scale and/or targeted proteomics analyses with comprehensive data analysis and validation and characterisation the lead molecules. Our GLP level proteomics workflow ensures the customers with unparalleled safety and comfort.
Together with the research fellows/industrial partners we develop methods and guidelines for to be applied in the final steps of possible clinical diagnostics. This task includes development of micro-chip based analytical devices for proteomic research and diagnosis.
As the national center for IMS (Imaging Mass Spectrometry) we can provide direct analysis of tissue sample surfaces for proteins, peptides, drugs and other ionisable molecules such as viruses, bacteria or just lipids or glycans. Sometimes even to the single cell level. With this technology we are able to study the spatial distribution of proteins, peptides and metabolites directly on tissue slices or cell, viral or bacterial surfaces.
One of our special areas is to study the protein glycosylations. This particular field of proteomics is often called glycoproteomics and includes the location and identification of N-linked glycopeptides and the composition of the N-glycans.
Finally, we provide customised training, practical courses and lectures in clinical proteomics for under graduate as well as graduate students and give frequently seminars and lectures on national - and international scientific and public stages. Our curriculum includes also regular teaching for medical students on L1H1 and L2H2 levels. Occasionally we accept visiting scientists in our premises for targeted training on some special areas of proteomics.
Our instruments include most of the necessary devices for targeted and non-targeted proteomics experiments including full knowledge of tools and devices for pre-testing of potential lead molecules in clinical environment.
One of our special areas is to study the protein glycosylations. This particular field of proteomics is often called glycoproteomics. Such analyses would include location and identification of N-linked glycopeptides and the composition of the N-glycans.
A second specialty of our lab is Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI). With this technology we are able to study the spatial distribution of proteins, peptides and metabolites directly on tissue slices. Such analyses can be performed by direct MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Dissociation Ionization) analyses combined with Ion Mobility and high-resolution Tof (time-of-flight) MS.
Our Services include e.g. single - and high-throughput protein identification by mass spectrometry (MS)(LC-MS, MALDI-MS, TOF, TOF/TOF), MALDI-Imaging, protein purification by liquid chromatography (micro/nano-LC) and gel electrophoresis (GE), protein analysis by 1- and 2-dimensional GE, protein/peptide sequencing by MS, protein interaction studies by MS and native PAGE shift analyses, limited and controlled protein fragmentation, secondary modification analyses by MS, large-scale affinity-based protein separations, micro-chip based protein analyses etc.