Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory

Our services include proteomics, glycomics and carbohydrate analysis, identification of post-translational modifications, and small molecule identification and quantification

Quantification workflows include: label free (intensity-based and spectral counting), isobaric labelling (TMT and iTRAQ), in-vivo labelling (SILAC and 15N) and absolute quantification (AQUA and QconCAT).

Our PTM services can provide site mapping for many modifications including: phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and both N- and O-glycosylation.

In addition to sequence-based identification for single proteins, we can provide deeper analysis including terminal sequence verification using MALDI-ISD, maximum sequence coverage with multiple proteases and disulfide bond count.

Our state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation, including a timsTOF HT, Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid and solariX-XR FT-MS, allow us to provide the latest analysis workflows with the highest quality. Notably the Orbitrap Fusion affords multi-notch MS3 generating the highest accuracy TMT-based quantification, while the timsTOF HT enables high-throughput DIA workflows. 

We have access to a suite of software options for optimal interrogation of data including  PEAKS StudioX-Pro, Byonic, Progenesis QI, Scaffold Q+S and Mascot Distiller.

MALDI-MS and MS/MS are performed using a Bruker ultraflexTreme MALDI-TOF/TOF.

The unparalleled resolution and mass accuracy of our solariX FT-MS means that molecules can often be confidently identified from their accurate mass alone.

Please contact us regarding the options listed above or any other proteomic analyses you are interested in. We are more than happy to discuss the best options to answer your biological questions and to advise on any aspect proteomic experimental design.

Our protein identification service has been running for over 10 years and is internationally known for providing reliable, high-confidence results with short turnaround times. The service is run weekly with results typically provided by the end of the week following receipt of samples – if not sooner. The service accepts SDS-PAGE bands, 2D gel spots and proteins in solution, and includes:

• Destaining and digestin with trypsin
• MS/MS of up to 10 peptides per sample
• Mascot database search and results report

Mass spectra will be matched to the NCBI non-redundant protein database, or another in-house database if requested. If alternative database searches are required, such as sample specific EST datasets, this can be arranged on an individual basis. MALDI-MS and MS/MS are performed using a Bruker ultraflexTreme MALDI-TOF/TOF, which allow us to obtain higher-confidence identifications by including tandem spectral data in Mascot searches.  

Please see here for prices.

De novo sequencing

Database matching with raw mass spectral data cannot always identify a protein, for example, when the protein sequence is not contained in the database being searched. In this case, amino acid sequence can be obtained by de novo sequencing of MS/MS spectra of peptides. The amino acid sequence can then be used in a Mascot sequence query.

We offer a de novo sequencing service, in which software-generated peptide sequences are verified by manual inspection of the MS/MS spectra. The cost of de novo sequencing starts at £500 with bulk discounts available, which includes sequencing and searching of the three best peptide spectra produced from the sample. This charge does not include sample preparation or acquisition of mass spectra, and should be added to the charge for protein identification shown above. Further details regarding de novo sequencing can be found in our FAQ.

Please note that not all peptides in a mixture will be observed by MALDI-MS, which means that the percentage of total protein sequence accounted for is never 100%. LC-MS can help to reveal more peptides and thus increase sequence coverage. Our shotgun proteomics service can be used to increase coverage.

The standard identification procedure can provide highly confident protein identification but is unlikely to be able to confirm terminal sequence. If terminal sequencing is required, we typically do this by MALDI-ISD.

Protein identification prices

Prices shown exclude VAT.

Commercial customers please add 75%. 

Mass spectrometry is the central technology for identifying, mapping, and quantifying the hundreds of known post-translational modifications of proteins (ref, ref).  PTMs can be studied both on single proteins, often without prior purification, or at the proteome level.  We are especially knowledgeable about glycosylation having decades of collective experience in the field.  Proteolytic cleavage, expected or otherwise, and disulphide bond formation can also be characterised, both of which can be important in quality control.

We offer the following services:

• Top-down sequencing by FT-ICR-MS
• T3 sequencing by ISD
• N- and C-terminal verification
• Phosphorylation site analysis
• Glycosylation - site analysis and glycan structure
• Other PTMs on request

We offer a range of services for carbohydrate analysis.

• Monosaccharide composition by GC-MS
• Carbohydrate linkage (methylation) analysis
• Glycoprotein characterisation (N- and O-glycans; site analysis)
• Glycomic profiling by MALDI-TOF-MS

If we cannot solve your ‘glyco’ problems using one of our in-house methods, then we probably know someone in the field who can.  We can also provide consultancy and training on this complex subject.

Please contact us to discuss how we can help with your project.

Mass spectrometry is a powerful method for profiling, identifying and quantifying small molecules, for which we use both GC-MS and LC-MS techniques. The unparalleled resolution and mass accuracy of our solariX FT-MS means that molecules can often be confidently identified from their accurate mass alone. Absolute quantification of small molecules, for examples drugs and their metabolites, can be performed by MRM using our Thermo Endura triple-quadrupole instrument. We can also provide HRAM services for untargeted metabolomics using our Bruker maXis HD or Thermo Orbitrap Fusion instruments.

Each small-molecule problem is unique, so please inquire about your specific requirements.