Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry for Proteomics and Metabolomics Part I

Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) continues to be the key technology for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of peptides, proteins and metabolites for both basic and clinical research projects. This GCB Academy session is designed as an introduction for researchers needing to expand their knowledge of the use of LC/MS/MS-based methods for proteomics and metabolomics, and thus help researchers better understand how these technologies can help inform their research goals. Background material in basic protein/metabolite chemistries will be provided, with an emphasis on how to use the physicochemical characteristics of these biomolecules for sample preparation specifically for LC/MS/MS analyses. In addition, the fundamentals of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry will be discussed to enable students to understand the nuances of the experimental designs required to address their specific project. Real-world examples will be used to illustrate sample preparation and analysis strategies, including basic identification projects, characterization of Post-Translational Modifications and differential expression analyses (including 'omic biomarker discovery and targeted biomarker verification).