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Thermo Fisher Scientific Expands Biomarker Research Initiatives to Include Clinical Research Applications

Thermo Fisher Scientific
17 May 2007

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announces that its Biomarker Research Initiative in Mass Spectrometry (BRIMS) center has expanded its capabilities to involve clinical validation and clinical application assays.

The center was initially established to focus on protein biomarker discovery, and subsequently developed an end-to-end mass spectrometry workflow including a complete sample preparation protocol as well as SIEVE™, a new software tool which automates label-free, semi-quantitative differential expression of proteins and peptides by comparing LC/MS analyses from large datasets. Information about the new initiatives of the BRIMS center will be presented at the downtown Marriott Ballroom 5, daily from 7:00 - 10:00 PM during the 55th Annual ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry.

Thermo Fisher Scientific originally partnered with Massachusetts General Hospital on BRIMS to focus on protein biomarker discovery. The large quantity of well-annotated plasma samples that were available at the hospital were ideally suited for research in biomarker discovery using the Thermo Scientific LTQ FT and LTQ Orbitrap. Moving into the next stage of biomarker verification, the center now uses the Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum™ triple-quadrupole platform to develop targeted highly selective reaction monitoring (H-SRM) and multiple reaction monitoring assays for peptides and protein biomarker quantitation.

Mary Lopez, director of the BRIMS center comments, “The center’s focus is shifting. Proteomics is evolving and as proteomics has gone from a science that was really more discovery based into a science that is becoming now more quantitative and has applications in the clinical world, we have also moved forward. The BRIMS center will continue to expand and establish collaborations with the leading scientists in biomarker research in cancer and cardiovascular disease, with the aim of developing clinical workflows and platforms”.

Following the Thermo Fisher acquisition of Cohesive Technologies, BRIMS incorporates the novel Thermo Scientific TurboFlow™ technology system’s novel approach to sample preparation and separation for MS. The TurboFlow technology minimizes sample preparation, especially for drug discovery, drug development and clinical research applications resulting in a unique LC-MS/MS solution when coupled with the TSQ Quantum triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and FAIMS (High-Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry) technology.

The BRIMS center also utilizes Thermo Fisher protein/peptide sample enrichment products, as well as the SILAC Protein Quantitation Kits which, when used in conjunction with Thermo Scientific high resolution mass spectrometers, help facilitate MS analysis of low-abundance proteins.

For more information on the Thermo Scientific BRIMS center, please visit booth #54 at ASMS, Indiana, June 3-7.

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Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Expands Biomarker Research Initiatives to Include Clinical Research Applications