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。三一大学的Adam Urbach教授及其同事Laura Hunsener-Wang、Corina Maeder和Christina Cooley获得了一台电喷雾电离飞行时间质谱仪(ESI-TOF-MS)。通常，质谱仪是用于鉴定和研究复杂样品中少量化学物种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。这种高度灵敏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研究和使用这种现代分析技术进行研究培训来扩大参与度。它还通过各种项目为许多本科生提供培训机会，这些项目涉及三一大学的化学、生物、物理和工程系，以及圣安东尼奥地区两年制和四年制院校的同事，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、圣菲利普斯学院和化身世界大学。质谱仪增强了所有级别的研究和教育。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开发、选择性酶消化的开发以及通过从蛋白质支架合成含氟聚合物的生物传感策略的开发。质谱仪有助于利用结构和电化学分析以及定点突变的化学修饰来研究Rieske蛋白质的还原电位。最后，使用EIS-TOF-MS结合结构、生化和单分子技术来表征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.