Sampling methods and data analysis in glycomics and proteomics

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Proteomics is the general area of biomedical sciences that studies proteins and protein interactions in a specific kinds of cells under specific conditions, e.g. a diseased state. Glycomics, short for glycoproteomics, is the subsection of proteomics that studies glycoproteins and glycoprotein interaction in cells. Glycoproteins are long chains of amino acids with sugar groups attached to certain amino acids along the backbone. As about 40% of proteins in cells are glycosylated, it is important to understand the roles, functions and thus structures of the attached sugar groups. Over the past ten years, our group has been involved in method development for the analysis of glycoproteins and their sugars, termed glycans. Our main method of detection is mass spectrometry, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). For sample preparation, a variety of separation methods are used. This research proposal focuses on protein-glycoprotein purification procedures for MALDI. Our program will involve the development of novel sample cleanup and deposition devices, based on both liquid chromatography and electrophoresis. Application of these techniques to the elucidation of proteins and glycoproteins in biological systems will be pursued through collaborations with medical researchers. The program will also involve a bioinformatics component, where the automation of data pertaining to glycoproteins is sought. Overall we aim to make glycomics an integral and more accessible part of proteomic studies, using methods based on separation techniques, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics.