# Data-Driven Software to Automate Top-Down Mass Spectrometry of Large Molecules

> **NIH NIH R44** · PROTEINACEOUS, INC. · 2023 · $955,646

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Analysis of intact proteins by top-down mass spectrometry enables direct measurement of the specific
sequences and posttranslational modifications that drive biological processes, disease, and protein therapeutic
attributes. Despite the potential that top-down mass spectrometry has for protein analytics, acquiring high-
quality data and then interpreting the data requires significant expertise and time, producing a sizable barrier to
both experts and those new to the field. This project aims to develop the first commercial software to ease this
acquisition burden, with workflows that automate the process of acquiring optimal top-down data, searching
this data in real-time, and updating the instrument with new parameters to maximize protein characterization.
In this project, new processes for detecting and identifying mass features will be implemented. Strategies will
also be designed to direct the instrument in collecting high-quality fragmentation data with data-driven updates
to fragmentation settings. Strategies will also be specially developed for biologics and other large molecules.
Lastly, data will be presented to users via interactive visuals intended to simplify and ease data interpretation.
Collectively, the new software platform will provide great improvements to how top-down mass spectrometry
data can be acquired, leading to more efficient and effective protein characterization.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10761429
- **Project number:** 2R44GM136046-02
- **Recipient organization:** PROTEINACEOUS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Kenneth Durbin
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $955,646
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10761429

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10761429, Data-Driven Software to Automate Top-Down Mass Spectrometry of Large Molecules (2R44GM136046-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10761429. Licensed CC0.

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