Mass spectrometry is powerful technique when employed to detect relative quantification of protein abundance on a global scale between comparative samples. The Facility can perform this in two ways: Label-free quantitation (LFQ) and multiplex isobaric mass tagging reagents (TMT®)

LFQ relies on replicate injection of samples to increase true signal and reduce technical error. Spectral counting and precursor ion intensity measurements are used to determine relative differences in protein abundances from the detected signals of peptides and proteins.

Tandem Mass Tags (TMT®) are isobaric chemical reagents which, under fragmentation in the mass spectrometer, liberates low molecular weight reporter ions from the mass tags. The intensity signals of these tags are used to determine the relative protein abundance in each sample. This can enable simultaneous identification of proteins in up to 18 samples.

Find out more about TMT tags.

If you are thinking about undertaking any of the these techniques then please contact the Facility and we can discuss your needs and help in the experimental design of your project.