Department Title

The mission of Proteomics Core Facility is to support investigators in their biomedical research programs at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and the surrounding New Orleans area. The central focus of the Proteomics Core is in the identification of unknown proteins and characterization of potential post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, etc.) resulting from targeted proteomic screens arising from immunoprecipitation, protein interaction studies, or similar approaches. The LSUHSC Proteomics Core Facility is equipped with 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis units, image analyzers and digitizers, and robotics for high throughput mass spectrometry sample preparation. The Core has two types of tandem mass spectrometers, a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) instrument, that is ideal for the characterization of recombinant proteins following expression and purification, and a nano-flow Liquid Chromatography coupled to an Electrospray Ionization Linear Ion Trap (LC-MS) instrument for more sensitive analyses of samples for which protein identification is required. The bulk of experimentation in The Core includes protein electrophoresis in the form of 2D SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry for the identification of unknown protein targets. Other applications available in The Core include the studies of protein expression profile, posttranslational modifications, and partial sequencing of novel proteins. The staff members also consult with researchers about their particular research interests and assist with development of novel scientific protocols. For more advanced applications not offered by The Core, the staff can assist in arranging off-campus resources for sample analysis.

The Current Goals of the Proteomics Core Facility include:

To provide timely Proteomics analyses to researchers in the New Orleans area.
To promote awareness of Proteomics applications in biomedical research in the Greater New Orleans area.
To promote collaboration with investigators in Proteomics-related research and applications.
To facilitate investigators in extramural funding opportunities.
To expand the Proteomics Core Facility in the rapidly emerging proteomics fields.
To provide direct consultation with investigators in the design, execution, and analysis of data.