Analytical Chemistry and Protein Profiling / 2D Gel Lab
Since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the Analytical Chemistry and Protein Profiling/2D Gel Laboratory has operated as a shared facility between the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Clinical Research Center. In addition, investigators from the NASA Space Medicine and Life Sciences Research Center at Morehouse School of Medicine also extensively used the analytical chemistry laboratory. The CRC has recently realigned and consolidated the analytical core with the proteomics core laboratories to become the Analytical and Protein-Profiling Core, a virtual umbrella or super core, similar to other institutional research cores. For both basic and clinical investigators, the Analytical and Protein Profiling Laboratory will be a multifunctional resource providing analytical consultation, help in the preparation of manuscripts and proposals as well as sample analysis. This administrative structure ensures uniformity in investigator utilization, a common platform for marketing of services, thus promoting access, and increased utilization. The revised structure also allows investigators to access and view all MSM research core labs “at a glance”. Problems arising due to variations in methods between laboratories can be avoided.
Dr. Michael Powell
Proteomics Core Leader
Phone: (404) 752-1582
email: mpowell@msm.edu
Dr. Winston Thompson
2D Gel Core Leader
Phone: (404) 752-1715
email: wthompson@msm.edu
The RCRII and CRC supported personnel (core director, manager and assistant remain
under the Analytical Core) and continue to report through the CRC organizational structure.
The Analytical and Protein Profiling Laboratory can analyze both human and animal
samples. The primary focus of the Analytical Laboratory is to provide reliable and
comprehensive analytical services to basic and clinical researchers. These services
include:
- Mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
- Trace metals analysis
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Sample preparation (derivatization and extraction/purification)
- Final Report of results (raw data). However, data analysis can be provided if requested.
- Consultation in analytical techniques and assistance in the preparation of manuscripts and proposals.
Facilities and Equipment: The Analytical Laboratory located in the Multidisciplinary Research Center (MRC) has approximately 3,000 sq.ft. of available space. A second supporting research laboratory is located in the Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology in Research Wing. The analytical laboratory is equipped with a wide variety of instruments that can be used to support clinical and basic research studies.
The Analytical Laboratory is equipped with:
Gas Chromatographs (GC): a) HP 5890 series II GC equipped with an MSD (Electron Impact Mass Spectrometer) detector and autosampler. b) HP 6890 with flame ionization detector (FID) and nitrogen-phosphorous (NP) detectors. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): a) HP 1100 series HPLC equipped with a diode array detector, variable wavelength detector (VWD), fluorescence detector, electrochemical detector (ECD), and autosampler. b) Beckman Gold HPLC system equipped with a 125S Solvent Module, diode array detector, HP fluorescence detector, and an autosampler.
Molecular Devices Spectromax Plus microtiter plate reader and variable wavelength
UV-Visible spectrophotometer.
Perkin Elmer AA system for backup for trace metals analyses.
Analytical Specimens and Procedures: Samples analyzed include whole blood, plasma/serum, urine, tissue and cell culture samples. The analytical procedures that are routinely performed in the analytical laboratory include: 8-isoprostanes, ADMA and SDMA, Arginine and Homoarginine, Catecholamines, Corticosterone, Cortisol, C-reactive Protein (CRP, High Sensitive), Drug Analyses (Clenbuterol, Warfarin, Cocaine, Etc), Enzyme Analysis (Xanthine Oxidase), Glutathione [Oxidized (GSSG) and Reduced (GSH)], Iron, Lipid Peroxidation Products (Hydroxy Peroxides), Nitric Oxides (NOx), Polyamines (Putrescine, Spermidine, and Spermine), Testosterone, Total Thiols (Homocysteine, Cysteine, Glutathione), Trace Metal Analysis, and Vanillin and Vanillinic Acid. Other tests are available upon request.