A high-resolution tribrid mass spectrometer to amplify bioanalytical capacity at Salk Institute Mass Spectrometry core - Project Summary The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an independent non-profit institute for basic science research located in La Jolla, CA. Salk research programs include cancer biology, immunology and microbial pathogenesis, aging and regenerative medicine, neuroscience and neurological disorders and plant biology. Shared resources and technology cores provide critical support for this research. The Mass Spectrometry Core provides Institute researchers access to mass spectrometry instrumentation and expertise. To accommodate increasing demands, multi-year strategic acquisitions have been implemented over the last 10 years. The most recent acquisitions in 2017 and 2020 focused on instrumentation used for proteomic analysis. Today, there is significant demand for high resolution determination of small molecules to better assemble operational metabolomic networks. Therefore, the purpose of this grant is to address an urgent need: to upgrade the Core’s capabilities by acquiring a cutting-edge mass spectrometer – the Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Orbitrap IQ-X Tribrid equipmed with an ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system, Thermo Scientific Vanquish Duo. The new instrument will supplement the current technology in the core facility. This instrument will not only address the immediate shortcomings of our analytical needs, but also has powerful features that will significantly enhance several of our NIH supported biomedical projects involving elucidation of context specific metabolism. Two accessories are requested: 1) 1M resolution option for enhanced detection and separation of isotopologues in labeling studies as well as to improve identification of larger biomolecules (>700Da) and 2) a UVPD option for structural elucidation of complex lipids including Sn- and double bond positional specificity. The Salk Institute has a strong track record of demonstrated commitment to the implementation, support and long-term management of high-end instrumentation. With the experience and expertise provided by the Salk Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, this new instrument will be immediately utilized at a high level, there by facilitating scientific discovery at the Institute.
