The Proteomics Centre is designated to perform high throughput, differential, quantitative proteome analyses and analyse protein localization and functions in fixed or live cells. The Centre is equipped with the Waters Synapt G2 higher definition mass spectrometer and the Sciex Qtrap4000 linear trap mass spectrometer, both directly coupled to nano-liquid chromatography systems and indirectly connected with a capillary range Dionex chromatography system. This allows us to offer the following services to our users: 1) protein identification and quantitation in low and highly complex protein mixtures; 2) the implementation of a de novo sequencing of proteins from organisms with unknown or incomplete genomes; 3) discovery and quantitate various covalent protein modifications; 4) performing a bioinformatic analysis to highlight the novel functions and molecular mechanisms of various biological systems. This whole spectrum of capabilities allows us to be involved in biomarker discoveries and validations including the search for biomarkers for the chemotherapic resistance of colon cancer chemotherapy (in collaboration with A. Laurinavičius, the National Centre of Pathology, Vilnius, Lithuania) and the early diagnostic markers of pancreatic cancer (in collaboration with L. M. Graves, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, US and K. Strupas, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania). It also allows us to perform a proteomic analysis of cell midbodies (in collaboration with R. Prekeris, CU, Denver, the USA and A. Skeberdis, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania).
A confocal microscopy infrastructure offers unique possibilities by applying a Nicon C1 confocal microscope attached to a microinjection system as well as a Zeiss LSM710 confocal spectral microscope coupled with a fast, linear scanning microscope equipped with a live cell incubation unit to study proteins and other structures, including (1) protein co-localization and interaction, (2) protein movement in live cells, (3) cell movement, apoptosis and tissue-like structure formation etc.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mindaugas Valius
Email:
Phone: +370 5 223 4410