Cancer Metabolomics and Proteomics

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY Mass spectrometry (MS) is the premier technology for detecting and quantifying metabolites, lipids, and proteins. The mission of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) Cancer Metabolomics and Proteomics (CAMP) resource is to facilitate access to cutting-edge MS data to support UWCCC investigators’ research. CAMP is led by MS expert Dr. Josh Coon (GEM), Professor and Director of an NIH Biotechnology Research Center for MS technology development (P41GM108538); it encompasses the vibrant UW-Madison MS community that includes 11 faculty expert laboratories and four MS core facilities. This community houses and operates over 50 MS systems capable of targeted metabolite analysis up to exotic protein post-translational modification (PTM) discovery and quantification. Since 2017, this collective group contributed to 106 UWCCC user publications. UWCCC members wishing to incorporate MS into their research initially meet with CAMP leadership to discuss project background, goals, timelines, etc. The consultation meeting(s) aim to provide guidance and advice on experimental design, e.g., for an upcoming grant submission, and enough understanding for the CAMP leadership to assess and match the project to the appropriate CAMP Expert MS lab or core facility. Note CAMP’s expert leaders are personally involved in educating and facilitating the MS technology needs of UWCCC members, helping them successfully navigate a complicated technology terrain. CAMP uses a collaborative model where MS projects are covered jointly by CAMP network labs and UWCCC members. For example, when a UWCCC CAMP project is conducted with the NIH P41 Center led by Coon and Li (TM), the MS cost is incurred by that mechanism. In cases where the UWCCC member project is a better fit for a CAMP core laboratory, the UWCCC member must identify funds for that work; however, CAMP will assist the member with technical review of funding proposals and similar support, as needed. Further, to kickstart small projects (either collaborative or through MS cores) we have established a microgrant program. CAMP is a UWCCC- specific resource that provides all UWCCC members a fast-tracked structure through which to get expedited guidance and access to cutting-edge MS. Specific aims are to 1) disseminate and inform UWCCC members on the capabilities and utility of state-of-the-art MS technologies for cancer research; 2) consult and guide UWCCC members on design and implementation of MS-based cancer research; and 3) connect UWCCC members with the appropriate MS expert laboratory to expedite MS-based research and discovery. Over 2017-2021 as a developing core CAMP has had tremendous impact on UWCCC member research. Specifically, CAMP collaborated with 22 UWCCC program members across five scientific programs, which resulted in 22 cancer- relevant peer-reviewed publications. With the recent expansion of CAMP’s expert network, we anticipate even greater impact. Collectively since 2017, CAMP Expert MS labs and core facilities contributed to 106 UWCCC user publications.