Proteomics Shared Resource

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: PROTEOMICS SHARED RESOURCE (PSR) Proteins are essential for all cellular processes, functioning as the primary molecular and enzymatic machinery that maintains cellular homeostasis and controls cell proliferation. The proteome further contains a significant post-translation regulatory potential through reversible chemical modifications and protein-protein interactions that define signaling networks associated with cancer development and progression. This fundamental role and versatil¬ity of the proteome are why most cancer drugs target proteins directly or create dependencies on protein functions. Furthermore, characterizing proteomic changes can complement and even supersede genomic and transcriptomic data in providing key information for identifying new therapeutic targets and biomarkers that predict response to therapies. Understanding protein network dynamics is therefore essential for cancer research and requires specialized expertise and advanced state-of-the-art technologies to support innovative research. Our comprehensive Proteomics Shared Resource (PSR) has a strong foundation in cancer biology and protein biochemistry. We meet cancer research proteomics needs by implementing and developing multiple enrichment, purification, and measurement approaches to address the many and varying research questions posed by DLDCCC investigators. For example, PSR offers targeted antibody-based protein profiling using a custom Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) platform and a large suite of mass spectrometry-based assays for expression profiling, profiling of post-translational modifications, and determining protein interactions. Recognizing the challenges of “big data,” we further strive for excellence in data analysis and communication with our users. As such, we provide beginning-to-end packages to assist investigators with up-front study design and feasibility assessment, execution of experimental analysis by various technology platforms, specialized analysis and interpretation of data, troubleshooting, and decision-making in follow-up studies. Furthermore, PSR leads DLDCCC- and CPRIT-sponsored efforts to establish comprehensive service support for multi-omic profiling studies of PDX pre-clinical models and human clinical samples by coordinating study design, sample, and data transfer between PSR, IBSR, GSTESC, MSR, and QSSR. Adaptation of new technological platforms is another priority, exemplified by development of new RPPA antibody panels for tumor microenvironment and cancer immunology and pursuit of ultrasensitive methodologies for MS-based profiling through recent acquisition of timsTOF Ultra2 platform. PSR also plays a central role in educational outreach by directing Molecular Methods and Advanced Technology Core Skills courses in the institution’s Master’s in Biomedical Science Program and by organizing NIH-sponsored Collaborative Cancer Research Education Program (C-REP), the BCM Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BCM-BRITE), and the ASPIRATION research immersion program for high school students.