RapifleX MALDI-TOF/TOF Mass Spectrometer

University Of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr, Albuquerque NM

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal is a resubmission requesting funding for a Bruker rapifleX matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight/time-of-flight (TOF/TOF) mass spectrometer (MS) capable of MS imaging (MSI) for the University of New Mexico (UNM) Integrative Molecular Analysis Core facility. MSI is a powerful technique that simultaneously detects and maps the location of hundreds of known and unknown molecules in their native state label-free. The rapifleX is the most advanced MALDI-TOF/TOF system on the market. Compared to other commercially available molecular MSI instruments, the rapifleX acquires images with the highest repetition lasing rate and spatial resolution. The latest generation of the rapifleX system includes new robust designs to ensure high data integrity and long laser lifetime. Additionally, the requested rapifleX TOF/TOF mass analyzer has the capabilities needed to analyze complex biomolecules that are challenging to analyze using our current MALDI and electrospray ionization systems. This is an essential MS/MS capability needed by our user community of chemical biologists generating modified proteins/peptides and developing bioorthogonal reactions. Currently, there is no instrument available to perform this type of MSI and MS/MS analysis at UNM or in the State of New Mexico. Importantly, the rapifleX will complement a fleet of existing MS instruments at UNM. The platform seamlessly integrates MALDI-TOF/TOF, LC coupled high-resolution MS, and laser ablation ICP-MS for spatially guided omics and a combination of molecular and elemental imaging. Thus, this platform will be unique in our geographic area, and we expect to serve investigators not only from UNM but also from surrounding institutions. These innovative capabilities will bring a new dimension to the shared resources at the Core, making it a center of excellence for the region. Our exciting new preliminary results from several users highlight a broad spectrum of research addressing our communities' societal health concerns, including liver disease, brain injury, and ovarian cancer. Our findings not only justify the choice of the rapifleX but also illustrate the transformative benefits of MSI on our research projects. The major user group extends over 4 academic departments & 3 Colleges (Pharmacy, Medicine, Arts and Sciences) and represents both basic and translational research interests. As such, the addition of the rapifleX will have an immediate and lasting impact on many NIH-funded investigators conducting research that spans cancer, obesity, neurosciences, cardiovascular diseases, and chemical biology. Moreover, the availability of this high performance MS instrument will help develop new educational platforms and boost the research experience of trainees from underrepresented groups at UNM, a Hispanic-serving institution. Importantly, this S10 Shared Instrumentation will support and synergize mass spectrometric efforts for three NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence programs.