Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry

Proteomics technologies allow the analysis (structural and functional) of protein samples on a large scale, both for medical (diagnosis, prognosis,…) and basic research.

Since its creation in 2002, the CRCM Proteomics facility has continually set-up new technologies and evolved its area of expertise to respond to the rapid growth of techniques and methodological approaches observed in recent years in the proteomics community. Today, the CRCM Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry facility is a key entity of the Marseille Proteomics (MaP) facility. MaP is a three-site proteomics facility which, besides mass spectrometry, offers a wide panel of complementary techniques for protein identification, characterization and quantification as well as bioinformatics facilities. MaP is labeled as a national platform (IBiSA) since its creation in 2008 and as a regional platform with the label Aix-Marseille Technology Platform since 2013. MaP proposes partnership, collaborative and fee-for-service opportunities for basic and clinical research for academics and industrial partners. The creation of MaP was designed to strengthen expertise in diverse proteomics fields and technologies needed to accompany local, national or international scientific projects.

The CRCM platform’s area of expertise encompasses different fields of proteomics, from the description of proteomes to the relative quantification of proteins in complex mixtures. The uantitative methods developed are particularly suitable for biomarkers research in cancerology and immunology (clinical proteomics) as well as for fundamental research. The platform also has a long history expertise in the discovery of numerous new protein complexes (Interactomics) using affinity purification and mass spectrometry (AP-MS), a specificity of our site. The platform is equipped with three Orbitrap mass spectrometers (LTQ-Velos, Q-Exactive Plus, Fusion Lumos Tribrid) coupled with nanochromatography systems and a Maldi TOF-TOF spectrometer (Ultraflex III). These technologies enable the identification, characterization (intact proteins, sequences, isoforms, post-translational changes) of proteins and proteomes as well as the relative quantification of proteins using chemical (TMT), metabolic (SILAC) labeling and label free methods. Other Proteomics approaches such as targeted proteomics (PRM) and chemoproteomics can also be achieved.