Mass Spectrometry and Mass Imaging Core (MyCORE) | Dipartimento di Biologia – Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Mass Spectrometry and Mass Imaging Core (MyCORE)

Coordinator:

Prof. Angelo Fontana (angelo.fontana@unina.it)

The Mass Spectrometry and Mass Imaging Core (MyCORE) of the Department of Biology provides analytical and research support on a variety of mass spectrometry platforms. Based on the joint laboratory of Molecular Mass Spectrometry between the University of Naples and the CNR’s Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, it integrates and combines mass spectrometry-based facilities for the Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry (SMMS) and for Mass Imaging (MI).

The MS platforms are used extensively to detect and quantify molecules of interest, even at very low concentrations and in extremely complex backgrounds, but they can also be used in the determination of molecular structure and the interpretation of their metabolism and function.

Our goal is to provide high quality MS data so that researchers can obtain data with a full understanding of all types of small molecules in biological systems. We work with our colleagues to utilise the power of mass spectrometry to help understand the chemical processes and molecular changes that drive key biological functions. MyCORE offers additional support and guidance for more complex methodologies, instrumentation and data analysis.

MyCORE platforms are operated under strict regulations to preserve the instrumental functions. For terms and costs of the service, contact the reference persons.

Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry (SMMS)

Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry (SMMS)

Coordinator:

Prof. Angelo Fontana (angelo.fontana@unina.it)

Contact person

Dr. Giuliana d’Ippolito (gdippolito@icb.cnr.it)

Support

Dr. Marcello Ziaco (m.ziaco@icb.cnr.it)

Dr. Giusi Barra (giusi.barra@icb.cnr.it)

Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry (SMMS) provides routine MS analysis on various types of samples including natural products, lipids, physiological mediators, drugs, synthetic organic molecules, derivatized and volatile organic compounds, supramolecular products. The facility supports:

qualitative (formula) validation of known compounds
MS-assisted structural elucidation of unknown compounds
MS-based method development for customer specific problems
targeted- and untargeted lipidomics
large series of experiments (screenings)

For -omics approaches and analysis of peptides, proteins and oligonucleotides, please contact the personnel in the MyCORE facility.

Thermo Scientific Vanquish Core UPLC LC-MS System coupled with Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap Exploris™ 240 high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) for accurate high-resolution mass analysis of small molecules for structural characterization and profiling.
ESI UPLC/MALDI QTOF (HRMS) equipped with Ion Mobility for label-free identification and analysis of target or endogenous molecules.
Thermo Scientific TRACE 1600 – TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS System with triple quadrupole for identification and profiling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or semi-volatile organic molecules after derivatization.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All the users and collaborators of MyCORE are obligated to acknowledge the core in publications: “The authors acknowledge the Mass Spectrometry and Mass Imaging Core (MyCORE) at Department of Biology of University of Naples Federico II.

Mass Imaging (MI)

Mass Imaging (MI)

Coordinator:

Prof. Angelo Fontana (angelo.fontana@unina.it)

Contact person

Dr. Giuliana d’Ippolito (gdippolito@icb.cnr.it)

Support

Dr. Marcello Ziaco (m.ziaco@icb.cnr.it)

Dr. Giusi Barra (giusi.barra@icb.cnr.it)

The IMS facility provides cell- and tissue-directed approaches for detection of small molecules and their molecular targets by using distinct platforms based on mass cytometry (MC), Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) and Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS).

Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), using either DESI or MALDI ionizations, provides high-quality biomolecular information on the distribution and localization of small molecules (lipids, cellular mediators, drugs, natural products, toxins, sugars, nucleotides, peptides) and biopolymers (proteins and polysaccharides) in tissues for basic and advanced bio-medical research. Analysis is performed by first collecting thin tissue sections, similar to those used for histological analysis, on a mass spectrometer-compatible slide. The spectra are then collected from the tissue section into an ordered array with a fixed distance (pixel size) between the acquired spectra. The spectra are compiled into a single image file, and an average spectrum is used to navigate the data. Each peak of the average spectrum can be visualized as a function of its spatial position and relative intensity in the tissue section.

Mass Cytometry (MC) and Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) enables multi-marker analysis on flow or in a tissue. Using Cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF®) technology, mass cytometry is a next-generation flow cytometry platform that uses elemental mass spectrometry to detect metal-conjugated antibodies that are bound intracellularly or extracellularly to antigens of interest on individual cells or tissues. The continuous-flow technique allows researchers to simultaneously interrogate more than 50 markers on millions of individual cells, as well as single-cell analyses. In the 2D version, IMC allows the cellular distribution of markers and proteins and visualize crosstalk and signaling systems in tissues.

HELIOS – HYPERION System by Standard Biotools for Mass Cytometry (CyTOF) and Imaging (IMC) for cell populations and single-cell analysis by multiple markers detected through metal conjugation.
Waters SYNAPT XS System for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) equipped with Ion Mobility – QTOF (HRMS) and three different sources ESI/DESI/MALDI for label-free identification and spatial distribution of target or endogenous molecules.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS