About:

The UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Mass Spectrometry/Metabolomics (MSM) Shared Resource (SR) is a research resource that provides services to UAB O'Neal CCC members to identify, characterize, and quantify metabolites from cells, biological fluids, and tissues. The overarching goal of the MSP-SF is to provide state-of-the-art capabilities and training in mass spectrometry, proteomics, and bioanalytic technologies to support the research needs of UAB Cancer Center members.

The overarching goal of the MSP-SF is to provide state-of-the-art capabilities and training in mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and bioanalytical technologies to support the research needs of O'Neal members. In order to accomplish this task, the specific aims of MSP-SR are:

Specific Aims:

1. Service; To provide high-quality and cost-effective mass spectrometry and proteomics services to O'Neal members, including the identification and quantification of known (targeted) and unknown (unbiased), in purified and complex biological samples. To provide comprehensive assistance from experimental design all the way through to statistical and systems biology analyses, interpretation, and reporting of mass spectrometry/proteomics datasets. 
2. Education and Outreach; To work closely with faculty and staff in preparation of manuscripts, grants, and presentations containing MSM-SR research results. To provide training and education to O'Neal members through seminars, formal graduate courses, websites, and individual and team meetings. 
3. Development; To develop new and improved separations, mass spectrometry, informatics, and bioinformatics applications implemented within our current standardized workflows in order to offer the most advanced proteomics technologies to support both current and new research initiatives.

The MSM-SR welcomes standard and unusual research projects and is open to tailored methodologies and applications. It is important to note that the facility has expanded its services, specifically in response to the emerging needs, metrics, and thematic emphasis of O'Neal. These include the addition of the new sample preparation module specifically for the enrichment and analysis of exosomes/extracellular vesicles and cellular compartments such as extracellular matrix with the use of a newly purchased Beckman Coulter MAX-XP Ultracentrifuge, complemented with specialized rotors specific for each preparation workflow. This type of effort will continue, along with effort to keep the MSM-SR current and competitive with Metabolomics technologies and bioinformatics tool upgrades.