This intensive laboratory and lecture course will focus on cutting-edge proteomic approaches and technologies. Students will gain practical experience isolating, purifying and identifying protein complexes: sample-preparation with in-solution digestion or FASP protocol will be performed, then students will be trained using  high-sensitivity nano HPLC coupled with nanospray-ESI and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Different search engines and bioinformatic approaches will be introduced for data evaluation. Students will be shown how to recognize unexpected post-translational modifications. They will use affinity chromatography for phosphopeptide enrichment, and the characterization of the resulting complex mixture, including site assignment, will be performed. For shotgun proteomic analysis sections students will use label-free and covalent isotopic-labeling quantitative approaches to profile changes in protein complexes and whole proteomes. Students will learn both single-dimension and multidimensional separation methods. In a section focused on targeted proteomics, students will learn to analyze and process shotgun proteomic data for the development of SRM/MRM assays that accurately identify and quantify targeted proteins. Students will design transitions for selected peptides and perform SRM/MRManalyses. They will learn to process and interpret the acquired data to measure changing quantities of targeted proteins in a variety of biological samples. For all sections of the course, a strong emphasis will be placed on data analysis. There will be opportunity to discuss individual research projects.

A series of outside lecturers will discuss various proteomics topics including: differential gel electrophoresis (DIGE), de novo sequence analysis, advanced mass spectrometry methods, glycosylation, and functional proteomics. The aim of the course is to provide each student with the fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for performing and analyzing proteomic experiments. The overall goal is to train students to identify new opportunities and applications for proteomic approaches in their biological research.

Support & Stipends

Major support provided by the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development

Stipends are available to offset tuition costs as follows:

       

US applicants (National Institute of Child Health & Human Development)
Interdisciplinary Fellowships (transitioning from outside biology)  & Scholarships (transitioning from other biological disciplines) (Helmsley Charitable Trust)
International applicants (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

Please indicate your eligibility for funding in your stipend request submitted when you apply to the course. Stipend requests do not affect selection decisions made by the instructors.