Recent Applications of Mass Spectrometry at Clarkson University: An Update

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful technique that has various applications, including the identification and characterization of proteins, protein-protein interactions, and protein posttranslational modifications, as well as other molecules (i.e., metabolites, lipids, nucleotides, and polynucleotides). However, not too many undergraduate students within the United States and around the world have access to (and are trained in) MS. The undergraduate students in our department are taught to analyze proteomics and metabolomics data obtained from MS analysis, including de novo sequencing of peptides and to interpret the MS and MS/MS data acquired in positive and negative ionization modes. Here, we give some examples of MS data analyzed in the Biochemistry I class and then examples of some independent research projects performed by students over the years in the Biochemistry and Biotechnology laboratory, where MS is used for both proteins, peptides, and metabolite analysis, thus demonstrating the applicability of MS analysis in diverse fields. The projects discussed include analysis of the protein content present in yogurt, beer, protein shakes, contact lenses, or milk of animal or vegetal origin.