Refining Affinity-Based Mass Photometry

蛋白质作为一个复杂网络的一部分相互作用，这个网络控制着几乎所有的生命过程。为了理解这些相互作用网络，我们必须首先确定单个蛋白质的相互作用，然后再量化它们。重要的是，我们希望在尽可能接近其原生环境的条件下研究这些相互作用。虽然有几种方法可以用于此目的，但它们都有局限性，阻碍了它们准确量化广泛的蛋白质相互作用的能力。这项研究将开发和完善基于亲和力的质谱法的实验和分析工作流程：一种新颖的、基于单分子的方法，可以直接从裂解细胞和均质组织中检测和测量感兴趣的特定蛋白质的质量。结合基于亲和力的质谱法和基于质谱法的蛋白质组学将使我们能够在模拟细胞或组织环境的条件下检测、表征和量化特定的蛋白质相互作用。这将有助于更好地理解生物过程。BBSRC重点领域：生物科学技术发展

Proteins interact as part of a complex network that controls almost all processes of life. In order to understand these interaction networks, we must first identify individual protein interactions, before quantifying them. Importantly, we want to study these interactions under conditions that are as similar to their native environment as possible. Whilst several methods exist for this purpose, they have limitations that hinder their ability to accurately quantify a wide range of protein interactions. This research will develop and refine experimental and analytical workflows for affinity-based mass photometry: a novel, single molecule-based method that can detect and measure the mass of specific proteins of interest, directly from lysed cells and homogenised tissues. Combining affinity-based mass photometry with mass spectrometry-based proteomics will enable us to detect, characterise and quantify specific protein interactions under conditions that closely mimic the cellular or tissue environment. This will lead to a better understanding of biological processes. Key BBSRC Priority Area: Technology development for the biosciences