Research at Fox Chase »Research Facilities »Biotechnology

• Proteomics
• DNA Synthesis
• Real time PCR
• Mass Spectrometry
• HPLC service

Function

The BBF provides expert proteomics service managed by Dr. Xin-Ming Li consisting of 2D gel electrophoresis analysis of protein samples and the identification of interesting protein spots by mass spectrometry.

Description

Biochemistry and Biotechnology Facility (BBF) is equipped to run ten 2D gels at the same time. Sypro Ruby fluorescence staining is used for imaging on the ProXPRESS Proteomic fluorescence/visible Imaging system (Perkin Elmer). These images are combined and analyzed together, compared with the data from another set of gels of another sample, all automated by using the Progenesis Discovery Workstation software (Nonlinear Dynamics Inc.). Protein spots of interest are cut out of the gels by the ProPic Robot which can visualize fluorescence staining. The spots collected are subjected to tryptic digestion. Next the identities of the proteins are revealed with mass spectrometry analysis of the tryptic peptides and database comparison. Currently we have automated the identification of protein spots that are visible with Coomassie Blue staining at a performance of over a hundred such proteins each day. The identification of proteins of lower abundance, however, still requires individual attention.