Protein Mapping Group Information Management System
To learn more about the research go to
http://proteomeweb.anl.gov and http://www.mcsg.anl.gov
Proteomics is an area of research that seeks to define the function and expression profiles of all proteins encoded within a given genome. Proteomics researchers separate, identify, and characterize the proteins expressed to better understand what their functions are and the regulation of their functions. of proteomics can be found in numerous fields of bioscience, including evolution, bioremediation, toxicology, agriculture, and pharmacology; these involve the use of genome sequences from all three branches of the Tree of Life.
Proteomics requires high-throughput methods for separation, quantitation, and identification of hundreds of proteins from biological samples. At Argonne, the primary tool for protein separation and quantitation is two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). Proteins are identified by using peptide mass spectrometry coupled to genome database searching.
The Protein Mapping Group at Argonne is using a high-throughput, computer-directed 2DE system designed to generate gels in sets of 20 with a gel running capacity averaging 40 2DE separations per week, for a variety of proteomics projects (see http://ProteomeWeb.anl.gov and http://gelbank.anl.gov). In an average experiment, Argonne researchers first separate protein mixtures by charge differences (isoelectric focusing), followed by separation based on size differences (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate). Computer-assisted analysis is used to compare up to 1000 patterns per data set to detect statistically significant differences in protein expression that correlate with experimental conditions.
Protein identifications are obtained by extracting protein from the 2DE gels, digesting with protein-specific cleaving agents (proteolytic enzymes), and determining the masses of the resulting peptides by using mass spectrometry. The masses observed are compared with predicted peptide masses available from gene sequence databases; matches provide the needed identifications.
Current Projects
The efforts of the Protein Mapping Group are currently focused on analysis of proteins from microbial systems pertinent to the U.S. DOE’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research programs in bioremediation, energy production, and carbon sequestration. The proteome studies in progress include the analysis of Shewanella spp. and Geobacter spp. grown under a variety of environmental conditions.
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 Gyorgy Babnigg
Asst. Bioinformatics
Specl/Biochemist
Bldg: 202 Office:B121
E-mail: gbabnigg@anl.gov
Phone: (630) 252-3904 |
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Sandra L. Tollaksen
Scientific Associate
Bldg: 202 Office:C105
E-mail: tollaksen@anl.gov
Phone: (630) 252-3829 202 C105 |
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Tripti Khare
Asst. Biochemist
Bldg: 202 Office:C113
E-mail: khare@anl.gov
Phone: (630) 252-3958 |
