Mass spectrometry for oncology research

Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are using mass spectrometry (MS) for enhanced tissue imaging capabilities for oncology research, focused on identifying protein expression changes in cells.

Working in collaboration with Waters Corporation, the university’s Mass Spectrometry Research Center is believed to be focused on identifying and visualizing protein expression changes in cells as they transition from a healthy start, through various stages of cancer.

The researchers at the center, which is based at Nashville, Tennessee in the US, are using Waters’ MALDI SYNAPT High Definition MS (HDMS) system.

“The goal of tissue imaging is to provide a window into the changes in the cellular proteome in disease,” said Professor Richard Caprioli, Director of the Mass Spectrometry Research Center.

He added, “We hope that enhanced tissue imaging techniques will provide data sets to be mined for diagnostic and prognostic information related to the various stages of cancer.”

The SYNAPT HDMS system incorporates high efficiency ion mobility separation in a dual ionization mass spectrometer, reportedly giving scientists maximum analytical power for discovery research challenges.

”This collaboration is the latest example of how Waters works with leading researchers to push the limits of science,” said Brian Smith, Vice President, Mass Spectrometry Operations for Waters.