Proteomics and Lipidomics Core

Proteomics and Lipidomics Core (C. Vary, Core Director) The Proteomics and Lipidomics Core is led by Calvin Vary PhD and provides high quality research design support, sample preparation, mass spectrometry analysis, data collection, and data analysis for a variety of tissues and cells. As a component of the COBRE in Mesenchymal and Neural Regulation of Metabolic Networks since 2017, our services have focused on protein and lipid profiling in mouse and human tissues. Our goals remain to: 1) provide new approaches that expand previous protein identification capabilities, 2) provide unbiased analytic workflows for proteomics and lipidomics studies that include 3) further developing targeted protein (e.g., MRMHR, SRM) and lipid quantitation (MSMSALL, MPIS) workflows, and 4) provide improved statistical and informatics approaches for data interpretation and identification of mechanisms. In Phase I of this COBRE, the Proteomics and Lipidomics Core consistently supported basic, translational, and clinical research projects and grant applications. These have included young investigator-initiated COBRE projects, COBRE pilot projects, and other NIH research applications, both within and outside of MaineHealth Institute for Research. A significant Phase I accomplishment was the award of an NIH S10 shared instrument grant in support of a new high resolution TripleToF mass spectrometer, liquid chromatograph, and other support equipment. MaineHealth provided institutional funds to renovate the facility, which consolidated the current and new equipment in a more efficient footprint. This support has increased our capacity, efficiency, and flexibility by allowing expanded proteomics and lipidomics workflows and increased user access, while providing new opportunities to support ongoing research and training for internal and external users. In phase I, we recruited an outstanding mass spectrometry technology manager, Carlos Gartner PhD, who brought expertise that includes mass spectrometry instrumentation and advanced liquid chromatography. We also recruited Yulica Santos-Ortega, PhD as a research associate with mass spectrometry-based cardiovascular proteomics experience. New Phase II opportunities include exploitation of human proteome-wide selected reaction monitoring protocols using on-line data repositories that will be implemented on new instrumentation (Sciex QTRAP 6500+). We continue to be uniquely positioned as the only regional facility of its kind providing these services for scientific inquiry and in support of student, investigator, and staff training. Within this COBRE, these resources will be critical for promoting junior investigator advancement. This core will advance our understanding of the properties of thermogenic adipocyte lineages and roles in energy balance (Project 1, M. Lynes), provide insight into the role of the X/A cell secretome on bariatric surgery-related bone loss (Project 2, Z. Li). This core will also be well positioned to support PI progress and future exploratory directions for identification of modifiable risk factors in cardiometabolic disease (Project 3, I. Agarwal).