MRI: Acquisition of an ESI-TOF Mass Spectrometer by Trinity University

该奖项由主要研究仪器（MRI）和化学研究仪器（CRIF）项目支持。来自三一大学的Adam Urbach教授及其同事Laura Hunsicker-Wang， Corina Maeder和Christina Cooley已经获得了一台电喷雾电离飞行时间质谱仪（ESI-TOF-MS）。一般来说，质谱（MS）是用于鉴定和研究复杂样品中少量化学物质的关键分析方法之一。在一个典型的实验中，这些成分流入质谱仪，在那里它们被电离成离子，并测量离子的质量。这种高度敏感的技术可以确定复杂混合物中的分子结构。此次收购加强了该大学和该地区的研究基础设施。该仪器通过让不同的学生参与使用这种现代分析技术的研究和研究训练，扩大了参与范围。它还通过各种项目为许多本科生提供培训机会，这些项目涉及三一学院的化学、生物、物理和工程部门，以及圣安东尼奥地区2年制和较小的4年制机构的同事，包括西北维斯塔学院、圣母湖大学、帕洛阿尔托学院、圣安东尼奥学院、施莱纳大学、圣玛丽大学、圣菲利普斯学院和道成肉身的大学。质谱仪加强了各级的研究和教育。该仪器可能会影响通过蛋白质半合成产生最小蛋白质亲和力标签的方法的发展，选择性酶切和通过从蛋白质支架合成荧光聚合物的生物传感策略的发展。质谱仪有利于研究Rieske蛋白的还原电位，利用结构和电化学分析以及位点特异性突变体的化学修饰。最后，利用结构、生化和单分子技术的结合，利用EIS-TOF-MS来表征Dib1蛋白在前信使RNA剪接中的作用。

This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation (CRIF) Programs. Professor Adam Urbach from Trinity University and colleagues Laura Hunsicker-Wang, Corina Maeder and Christina Cooley have acquired an electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ESI-TOF-MS.) In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and study small quantities of chemical species within complex samples. In a typical experiment, the components flow into a mass spectrometer where they are ionized into ions and the ions' masses are measured. This highly sensitive technique allows the structure of molecules in a complex mixture to be determined. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure both at the University and in the region. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse students in research and research training using this modern analytical technique. It also provides training opportunities to many undergraduate students through a variety of programs that involve the chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering departments at Trinity, and colleagues at 2-year and smaller 4-year institutions in the San Antonio area, including Northwest Vista College, Our Lady of the Lake University, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, Schreiner University, St. Mary's University, St. Phillips College, and University of the Incarnate Word.The mass spectrometer enhances research and education at all levels. The instrument may impact research on the development of methodologies for generating minimal protein affinity tags by means of protein semi-synthesis, on selective enzymatic digestion and on the development of a biosensing strategies through the synthesis of fluorogenic polymers from protein scaffolds. The mass spectrometer benefits investigations of the reduction potential in Rieske proteins using structural and electrochemical analysis and chemical modification of site-specific mutants. Finally, the EIS-TOF-MS is used to characterize the role of the Dib1 protein in pre-messenger RNA splicing using a combination of structural, biochemical, and single-molecule techniques.