Clinical mass spectrometry for proteomics

MS identifies the type and amount of a substance present in an ionised sample by separation according to mass and charge. The analytical technique has shed important light on the nature of materials and samples in a variety of fields, with significant application in the field of proteomics. However, the ultimate tool for biomarker identification via clinical proteomics has remained elusive.

Biomolecules tend to be fragile and fragment when ionised. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) is a so-called soft ionisation technique whose processes are less harsh and more suitable to biological samples. MALDI MS can measure multiple analytes directly from intact tissues, including clinical samples, without the need for target-specific reagents. The EU-funded project 'Ultra high performance MALDI mass spectrometer for basic research use and clinical applications' (EUROMALDI) was launched to produce a pioneering proteomics platform.

The partnership joins a United Kingdom global industry leader in MALDI MS with a French university research consortium of six different teams from academics, a hospital, and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM). Scientists are optimising MALDI MS instrumentation designed by the United Kingdom company to enable high-resolution, high-throughput analysis of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates for clinical applications. The prototype will address two of the most deadly carcinomas: glioblastoma (a highly invasive type of malignant brain and spinal cord tumour) and pancreatic cancer.

Within the first reporting period, researchers have made excellent progress. The team will implement tandem MS involving at least two stages of mass analysis. Researchers are developing cutting-edge software for tandem MS and lipidomics. All planned software components are either in testing or prototype phase, and the capabilities of the new MALDI MS platform already exceed initial expectations.

The industry-academic partnership behind the successful EUROMALDI project will enhance the market position of the company while bringing important investments to the academic research consortium thanks to enhanced global standing. Needless to say, the ability to identify in real time in the clinic a range of protein, lipid and carbohydrate molecules associated with diseases will revolutionise diagnosis, prevention and treatment.