Improving mass spectrometry to map proteins and disease-linked protein forms
Advancing Mass Spectrometry Analyses of Proteins, Assemblies, and Proteoforms
Developing better mass spectrometry tools to detect and map altered proteins and their modifications that may drive Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321605 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are improving mass spectrometry so they can read whole proteins, their chemical modifications, and how proteins assemble together. They combine native and top-down mass spectrometry with new electron-based fragmentation methods and ultra-high-resolution instruments to capture full protein sequences and proteoforms. The team will apply these tools to challenging targets like membrane receptors and proteins that aggregate in Alzheimer's to understand how modifications relate to disease processes. This work could make it easier to detect disease-linked protein forms in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or brain samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or those willing to donate blood, CSF, or brain tissue for proteomic analysis would be relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those who cannot or do not want to provide biological samples are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal new protein biomarkers and drug targets to help diagnose or treat Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Mass spectrometry and top-down proteomics have previously identified disease-linked protein modifications, but applying ultra-high-resolution native MS to intact assemblies and membrane proteins remains cutting-edge.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loo, Joseph a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Loo, Joseph a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.