The proteomics facility was established in 2009 to allow Obesity Research Center (ORC) investigators and collaborators to isolate, identify and quantify biomolecules of interest. The facility brings state-of-the art analytical capabilities to the Center itself, but through collaborative interactions, these capabilities are now available to all of King Saud University. 

The equipment in the Proteomics Facility allows protein separation by gel-based or gel-free methods, analysis by mass spectrometry and protein identification by database searching. Proteins can be both identified and quantified in a wide variety of samples including simple mixtures (gel spots and bands) and complex biological samples (protein complexes, cell lysates, plasma and urine).

Brief details on major proteomic equipment are provided in the sections that follow:

MALDI TOF/TOF (Bruker UltrafleXtreme)

The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) TOF/TOF system allows rapid identification of proteins by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF). In addition, the MS/MS capability allows sequence confirmation. This instrument is well suited to high throughput identification of proteins or peptide bands/spots excised from 1D and 2D gels, or of LC purified proteins. 

A sensitive Nano LC system and associated fraction collector are available (i.e., the EASY-nLC and the PROTEINEER fraction collector). With this system, the LC column elutes directly onto the MALDI plate. MALDI TOF and TOF/TOF can then be applied directly to the sample on the target for the identification and characterization of post-translational modifications.

LC-MS/MS (Bruker Maxis):

The high-resolution Q-TOF technology is ideal for small molecule identification, metabolomics, quantitative proteomics, biomarker discovery and the characterization of post-translation modifications. Our system is equipped with both Nano-flow and conventional flow HPLC systems. The high resolution and rapid scan rates provide high mass accuracy at sub-ppm levels. Accurate isotopic patterns of the spectra from LC peaks lead to confident elemental formula assignment when used in conjunction with the SmartFormulaTM algorithm. 

Feature of the Proteomics Facility:

• The facility and is current activities include the following: The resource includes two complementary and powerful mass spectrometers: a high-resolution QqTOF Maxis mass spectrometer and an Ultraflexetreme matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization TOF/TOF mass spectrometer.

The Proteomics Facility of the ORC has published several research articles in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and two patents are almost ready for submission. In addition, the resources have worked with other KSU researchers to undertake a detailed survey of the peptide and protein components of camel milk. Other studies are now commencing with several other key research groups on the KSU campus.