Sunday, March 4, 2012, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (with one hour break for lunch-on-your-own).  Tuition: $150.

Organizer:  Yingming Zhao (University of Chicago)

Course Description
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) represent a major vehicle to diversify a cellular proteome, the inventory of all protein species in an organism. Given the high abundance and diversities of PTMs, they are likely the most complex regulatory mechanisms in cells. Accordingly, systematic PTM analysis is critical to the understanding of cellular physiology and diseases.

This course is designed for both mass spectrometrists and biologists who want to understand more about the fundamental and practical aspects of systematic PTM analysis using mass spectrometry. Topics that will be discussed include: (i) an introduction to PTMs; (ii) sample preparation for PTM analysis; (iii) HPLC/MS/MS analysis and manual verification of PTM peptides; (iv) Full-spectrum PTM analysis using non-restrictive sequence alignment algorithms; (v) proteomics analysis of PTMs: phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, and lysine acetylation as case studies. Examples of troubles and challenges in performing these experiments will be chosen from the instructors' personal experience. Ample time will be provided for general discussion of the topics presented and other current topics in PTM analysis.

Level: Intermediate (intended for those who has some background on mass spectrometry or PTMs, and want to advance their knowledge and skills).

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