Proteomics/Metabolomics

The recent completion of the Human Genome Sequence, archived in widely accessible databases, has permitted the identity of proteins in complex mixtures to be rapidly and automatically determined by mass spectrometric analysis. Nanobore liquid chromatography coupled to a new generation of mass spectrometers have made it possible to analyze extremely complex mixtures of proteins, even complete proteomes of model organisms. The revolution for spectrometry of very large biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins is attributed to the twin techniques of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) and Electrospray Ionization (ESI). We are currently using these tools to analyze glucose metabolites from congenetic mice. The information obtained through analysis of the metabolism products and by-products will lead to a better understanding of their role in diabetes.