Specialized Engineering Research Equipment: An LC - Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer for Protein, Peptide and Small Molecule Characterization

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of this request is to acquire a bundled High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)/LCQ ion trap mass spectrometer for use in several research projects, and for the training of students. The new LQC ion trap mass spectrometers are able to perform amino acid sequencing experiments, DNA sequencing experiments, mapping of peptide phosphorylation sites and oligosaccharide analysis, in addition to more traditional small molecule characterization. The use of this equipment has the following specific aims: (1) to provide core knowledge and training to undergraduate and graduate students on the use of LCQ ion trap mass spectrometry in at least three different bioengineering applications which are detailed in the specific aims 2 to 4; (2) to sequence and characterize gene products for engineering Escherichia coli with enhanced protein secretion via a proteome science strategy and to make this information web- accessible; (3) to better define and understand the relationship between protein glycosylation and environmental conditions in the insect cell baculovirus expression system to achieve complex glycosylation of a model protein; and (4) to characterize polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated peptides and proteins, and test hypotheses regarding structure and biodistribution of macromolecular drugs.