Overview

Mass spectrometry has become a paramount tool in biological, biomedical and clinical research to identify and quantify compounds within biological systems. Applications allow measurement of a wide range of endogenous biomolecules including peptides (peptidomics), proteins (proteomics), primary and secondary metabolites (metabolomics), lipids (lipidomics), nucleic acids, and carbohydrates (glycomics) from samples ranging single cells, fractionated organelles, cell lines, tissues or biofluids. This can be done in a “targeted” hypothesis driven manner or by an “untargeted” hypothesis generating approach. Exogenous compounds such as drugs and other xenobiotics are also measured, often in the context of addressing preclinical or clinical questions in biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism. In most cases robust, accurate and repeatable quantitative analyses are enabled and achieved through the use of stable-isotope labeling techniques.

Founded in 2010, the Mass Spectrometry Facility at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School provides a wide range of analytical capabilities through fee-for-service, grant funded and contract based relationships in the areas of protein, biological and small molecule research. With nine mass spectrometry platforms for data acquisition and extensive resources for sample preparation, data analysis, and informatics, this unique resource in biological mass spectrometry covers numerous applications in quantitative proteomics, intact protein analysis, small molecule quantitation, and metabolomics. Our resource and staff expertise prides itself on leveraging its strengths to develop new capabilities to meet the dynamic needs of UMass Chan investigators, as well as providing opportunities for our external academic and industrial partners.