Protein ID / Proteomics
Gel Imaging
Once an electrophoresis experiment has been concluded, the gels have to be imaged for documentation, data analysis and downstream applications, one of which requires the generation of a list of spots to be automatically excised from the gel for further proteolytic digestion and mass spec analysis of the proteins within. Standalone imagers are a justified acquisition for many imaging applications. However, if it comes to generating an image for subsequent spot excision from the gel, a high-resolution imager integrated on the spot excision platform is an unbeatable combination that offers reduced gel handling time, higher automation, less possibility for user errors and thus overall reduced costs.
The ProPic™II integrates imaging and picking on a single platform. Many low abundance proteins can be detected using its high-resolution image acquisition system with Peltier-cooled camera (CCD) with 16-bit line scanning, UV-B light source, large imaging/picking area, full and light-tight enclosure, direct imaging of gels stained with all commonly used visible and fluorescent stains, easy-to-use software for image acquisition (and picking) and seamless integration with DIGE. For users who require extended gel analysis prior to picking, any image analysis software package can be used to create a pick list that can then be downloaded to the Investigator ProPic™II for protein excision.
Gel Analysis
2D gel electrophoresis is a key technique within life science research, used to separate and analyze highly complex protein mixtures. The challenge lies in interpreting and comparing the results of these gels. Genomic Solutions® offers powerful solutions to these challenges.
The proven HT Analyzer software is an entry level product for quick, simple interpretation of 2D gel image analysis. HT Analyzer Evolution software provides users with increased automation of 2D gel analysis, leading to fast, reliable results. The choice of two packages enables each lab to incorporate the degree of automaton needed; HT Analyzer for lower throughput needs and HT Analyzer Evolution for those users who require increased automation. Genomic Solutions® also offers software specifically designed for the analysis of 1D gels.
Spot Excision
In proteomics-based biomarker and drug discovery using 2D electrophoresis, once an experiment is concluded the gels are analyzed for differentially expressed proteins. In many cases the next step is the excision of proteins of interest from the gel and in-gel proteolytic digestion for further identification using mass spectrometry. Manual excision might be an inexpensive solution for very low throughput and gels with just a few spots. However, automated spot excision is an indispensable tool for higher throughput and for complex gels adding a level of accuracy, precision, and reliability that can not be achieved otherwise.
Genomic Solutions® has improved the long-established Investigator™ ProPic™ protein gel picking technology with the addition of a high resolution line scanning imaging system and utilization of their market leading benchtop microarraying platform to provide the highest possible XYZ picking accuracy. The result is accurate and reliable picking of the smallest and most closely spaced protein features. The Investigator™ ProPic™II offers third generation imaging and picking integrated on a single platform, small footprint, 16-bit imaging, 10x improvement in picking accuracy over the ProPic™, direct imaging and picking from gels stained with all commonly used fluorescent and visible stains, and seamless integration with 2D DIGE.
Protein Digestion
If it comes to high throughput protein digestion, a dedicated automated solution is indispensable. Manual addition of reagents for reduction, alkylation, incubation, digestion and/or other biochemical modification of the proteins is tedious and very time consuming. Standard liquid handling systems that can be used in theory for the processes described above often fail in practice because they are not specifically designed for the requirements of high-performance protein digestion like a keratin-free environment or aspiration-free solvent replacement to avoid loss of gel plugs.
Genomic Solutions® offers two dedicated systems for automated protein digestion, and the choice depends on throughput needs and if additional functionality is required. The Investigator™ ProGest is the solution for single 96-well plate capacity protein digestion. The Investigator™ ProPrep offers up to 8 x 96-well plate capacity and combines in-gel and/or in-solution digestion with transfer to MALDI targets, LC autosampler vials and/or 96-well plates.
MS Sample Prep
Automated instrumentation for mass spec sample preparation is a “must-have” for the medium to high-throughput proteomics lab involved in biomarker and/or drug discovery. Manual processes can not keep up with the volume of samples and do also not offer the many advantages that automation has, like higher reproducibility, better precision, less chance for user errors, all of which are important for high quality protein identification data.
Genomic Solutions® offers two choices for MS sample preparation depending upon throughput. The Investigator™ ProPrep combines protein digestion with MALDI spotting, transfer to LC autosampler vials and or 96-well plates and offers up to 8 x 96-well plate capacity while the Investigator™ ProMS has single 96-well plate capacity. Both can accommodate any commercially available mass spec target as well as Millipore Ziptips® or standard tips.
[back to top]