# TR&D 5: Top-Down for the Masses

> **NIH NIH P41** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $224,577

## Abstract

Technology Research and Development Project 5: Top-Down for the Masses
Abstract
Strong arguments exist for utilizing intact proteins as the primary unit of measurement in mass spectrometry-
based proteomics. The proteoform hypothesis, which suggests that it is specific proteoforms that are most tightly
linked to phenotype, resonates strongly with researchers performing both translational and basic science. In the
previous granting period, the NRTDP developed potent quantitative workflows for discovery science and applied
these workflows to myriad biological systems. In recognition of our duty to foster a broader community, we have
chosen to create an entire TR&D focused on making our quantitative workflows robust enough that they can be
exported to non-expert labs through Community Engagement. To accomplish this, each step in these
workflows, from sample preparation and separation to mass spectrometric detection and data analysis will be
innovated to improve robustness. New sample preparation technology coupled with more robust, higher flow
chromatography will alleviate issues related to nanoflow chromatography. Cleaner samples coupled with field
asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) will also improve mass spectrometer up-time. In addition to
improved hardware robustness, the resource will also publish updated software tools, including AUTOPILOT
ACQUIRE, TDPORTAL and TDVIEWER, which include streamlined quantitative data acquisition, processing, and
analysis workflows. The combination of these innovations will give the resource the capability to efficiently export
the experiments developed in-house to a community that has a growing appetite for performing experiments that
are proteoform-resolved.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9854765
- **Project number:** 2P41GM108569-06
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** NEIL L KELLEHER
- **Activity code:** P41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $224,577
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9854765

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9854765, TR&D 5: Top-Down for the Masses (2P41GM108569-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9854765. Licensed CC0.

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