Pinnacle Laboratory – Proteomics & Biological Mass Spectrometry

Pinnacle laboratoryThe Pinnacle Laboratory delivers a range of specialist services that provide users with access to state-of-the-art biophysical techniques such as mass spectrometry and analytical ultracentrifugation as well as related chromatographic and gel electrophoresis methods.

Services Offered

Biophysical techniques underpin much of modern core biological science. They represent a diverse collection of physical tools and procedures aimed at the study of biological systems at the molecular level. In recent times the biophysical methods targeting the proteome have come to be known by the collective term ‘proteomics’.

The Pinnacle laboratory was established to provide Newcastle Biomedicine (and other) scientists with access to a variety of current bioanalytical techniques in order to support the progressive research standing of Newcastle University. The range of techniques currently available at Pinnacle includes:

  • MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
  • Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass
  • Spectrometry (FTICR-MS)
  • Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS or LC/MS when coupled with HPLC)
  • 2D Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (2D PAGE)
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • N-terminal Protein Sequencing/Edman Degradation
  • Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC)

Our services can provide insight at the molecular level for a wide range of biomolecular species ranging from small-molecule metabolites (metabolomics) to complex protein mixtures (proteomics). Information pertaining to molecular identity, quantitation, and characterisation of size, modifications or molecular interactions can be obtained by choice of an appropriate technique.

Below are some examples of the type of biological systems / problems where we can provide solutions:

  • Biological MS to characterise or identify a known/unknown molecule of interest
  • Quantitation of a biological molecule of interest by LC/M
  • In-depth proteome or metabolome analysis (‘-omics’)
  • Study of glyco-, phospho-, lipo- and other bio-modifications
  • Crosslinking characterisation of protein complexes
  • Protein product validation by Edman N-terminal sequencing
  • Chromatographic analysis coupled to MS detection (LC/MS)
  • Protein mass, shape and stoichiometry by AUC
  • Protein-protein/lipid/nucleic acid interactions by AUC
  • Membrane proteins and their complexes by AUC
  • MS or AUC data analysis services

We also seek to form collaborative partnerships, where our associates benefit from access to our inhouse knowledge and expertise for experimental design (grant and publication writing), execution and results interpretation. Investigators wishing to discuss ideas or form a collaborative partnership should contact the unit manager.

Further information: