Mass Spectrometry Core


The Mass Spectrometry Core offers cost effective, state-of-the-art instrumentation for structural analysis of biological molecules and for qualitative and quantitative assays of nutrients and metabolites in physiologic fluids. 

Director: Kevin Schey, PhD

    Core Aims

    • Provide access to state-of-the art mass spectrometry equipment for analysis of small molecule drugs and endogenous metabolites in an open-access analytical facility 
    • Provide access to a state-of-the art proteomics facility for identification, characterization and quantification of proteins and whole proteomes 
    • Provide access to a pioneering imaging mass spectrometry facility for spatial localization of proteins, peptides, lipids, metabolites, and drugs in tissues 
    • Provide professional guidance on experimental design, development of analytical assays and data interpretation 
    • Train users on sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis 
    • Train users on bioinformatics analysis of complex proteomic data 
    • Promote interaction between other VDDRC Cores to facilitate the collaborative mission of the VDDRC research enterprise 

    Core Services

    • Identification of oxidized lipids by GC/MS and HR-LC/MS 
    • Proteomics for identification and characterization of proteins by MudPIT and LC-MS/MS techniques 
    • Determination of posttranslational modifications of proteins & peptides by ESI/LC/MS & MALDI/TOF 
    • Quantification of protein expression by LC-MS/MS 
    • Quantification of micronutrients in physiologic fluids by GC/MS and ESI/LC/MS 
    • Quantification of trace elements in physiologic fluids by ICP-MS 
    • Development of novel analytical methods using mass spectrometry 
    • Interpretation & analysis of mass spectrometry data 
    • Education & training in mass spectrometry principles and operation