High performance mass spectrometry: applications for the Cambridge biological sciences community. (360G-Wellcome-108467_Z_15_Z)

A major science focus across Cambridge is the application of state-of-the-art technologies to answer fundamental questions in biology, health sciences and translational medicine. These increasingly include high resolution proteomics and analysis of rare DNA and RNA modifications. Funds are requested to assist in the purchase of an Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid Mass Spectrometer, which combines quadrupole, Orbitrap, and linear ion trap mass analysers to provide an unprecedented depth of proteomic an alysis. Unique Tribrid architecture and Dynamic Scan Management allow simultaneous precursor isolation, fragmentation, and data acquisition in both Orbitrap and ion trap mass analyzers, maximizing the through-put and amount of high-quality data acquired. Improved sensitivity, scan rate, and mass resolution significantly increase proteome coverage and enhance the ability to positively identify more low-abundance proteins, while the use of novel SPS MS3 technology provides unparalleled accuracy of protein quantitation and identification when using isobaric mass tags. Overall, the instrument will: analyse the most challenging low-abundance or high-complexity samples; identify more proteins and their modifications; quantify their levels more accurately; and increase capacity of the Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, allowing greater user access and hence enhance science research.