# Mass Spectrometry

> **NIH NIH P30** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $216,070

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: Mass Spectrometry Core (formerly Metabolomics Core)
 Diabetes and its related endocrine and metabolic disorders are characterized by disruption of
homeostasis. Aberrant signaling cascades involving protein post translational modifications such as
phosphorylation, accumulation of potentially toxic lipid species, and altered flux of intracellular metabolites are
among the abnormalities that constitute the diabetic milieu. The DRC Mass Spectrometry Core, an expanded
version of the former Metabolomics Core, provides rigorous mass spectrometry-based proteomics and
metabolomics analyses to DRC investigators that include quantification, structural characterization, and
functional characterization of diabetes-related biomolecules. The Core increases efficiency and cost
effectiveness by providing centralized, standardized mass spectrometry analyses to study molecular
mechanisms of the pathogenesis of diabetes, its risk factors, and its complications. A major goal of the
core is to promote use of mass spectrometry (MS) methods in diabetes research through training,
collaboration, development, service, and dissemination. Specific objectives of the Core are: 1) to provide and
maintain functional MS systems for diabetes-related studies; 2) to consult with DRC investigators regarding
how MS can advance their research programs; 3) to perform service-related MS analyses for diabetes
investigators, such as quantifying target analytes, obtaining spectra for structural identification, and assisting
with mass spectra interpretation; 4) to develop new MS methods; and 5) to provide training to students and
fellows in principles and use of MS systems. During this past funding period, this Core, operating as the
Metabolomics Core, provided services to 34 different DRC member laboratories, including 3 P&F recipients,
and the >11,000 hours of Core service supported the publication of 90 papers. Through a substantial
institutional investment, the capabilities of this Core have increased prompting a name change to DRC Mass
Spectrometry Core. The services offered by the Mass Spectrometry Core reflect the evolving bioanalytical
needs of DRC investigators, including 1) quantitative study of protein expression, including targeted assays
from clinical samples; 2) quantitative assessment of protein-protein interactions; 3) characterization of post
translational modifications; 4) elucidation of the biological functions of proteins or protein groups; 5) targeted
metabolomic services; 6) broad surveys of multiple metabolic pathways and quantification of pathway
metabolites via untargeted metabolomics; and 7) high-throughput, quality-controlled measurements of analytes
in large sample sets from clinical studies. The Mass Spectrometry Core thus leverages substantial institutional
investments in instrumentation and analytical expertise to promote new discoveries and scientific progress in
diabetes research at the Washington University DRC.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10820552
- **Project number:** 5P30DK020579-47
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael Benjamin Major
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $216,070
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-12-01 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10820552

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10820552, Mass Spectrometry (5P30DK020579-47). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10820552. Licensed CC0.

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