A Hybrid Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometer Integrated with UPLC for Characterization of Protein Complexes and Comparative Proteomics

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This award provides funds to aid in the purchase of a hybrid Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass spectrometer (Q-TOF), interfaced with a fully integrated ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC) system. The instrument will be central to research supported NSF research grants awarded to the six major users, including the Cornell Proteomics Core facility, and multiple minor users. The instrument will complement existing equipment in the proteomics core facility and the Department of Plant Biology, particularly through its application in the analysis of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions and in de-novo sequencing of proteins from organisms whose genomic sequence is unknown. Highly sensitive and accurate tandem mass spectrometers are critical in the identification and characterization of low abundance proteins. In addition, the instrument will be a key tool for comparative quantitative (plant) proteomics studies using stable isotope labeling. The mass spectrometer will accelerate and facilitate a wide range of research projects of Cornell Faculty across different departments. The instrument is also expected to aid in the training of more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students, and will play a role in an NSF-funded outreach program in 'Plant Genomics', a program that attracts high school students and teachers, and impacts undergraduate students from diverse colleges in the region.