Proteomics and Biochemistry Research Platform

The GSC Proteomics Platform performs collaborative proteomics research to characterize and quantify the changes to proteins and the proteome that drive tumourigenesis. It utilizes state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation and novel proteomics technologies. The goal is to identify and validate therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the translation of genomics information into clinical practice. The Proteomics Platform supports >23 grants and >50 projects for >30 investigators using field leading mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation and proteomic technologies.

Technologies: 

Mass Spectrometry Instrument Suite (MSIS)

• global and targeted quantitative proteomic and mass spectrometry (MS) methodologies
• quantitative analysis of clinical (FFPE) patient samples
• analysis of ‘translatome’
• analysis of splicing and aberrant spliced proteins
• discovery and analysis of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs)
• development of isogenic cell culture systems to study aberrant protein function
• recombinant protein expression and purification
• protein chemistry

Mass Spectrometry Instrument Suite (MSIS):

ThermoFisher Orbitrap Fusion

• global proteome and phospho-proteome analysis
• ideally suited for TMT and SILAC quantification, and identification of post translational modifications.

AB Sciex 5600+ TripleTOF

• discovery analysis and label free quantification using the SWATH technology in the analysis of protein complexes and pathways.
• General protein and proteome identification and analysis by tandem MS.

AB Sciex 6500 QTrap

• targeted quantitation of mutated or splice isoforms of proteins, protein complexes, protein pathways and biomarkers using MRM/SRM.

AB Sciex 4000 QTrap

• targeted metabolite analysis

Protein Engineering, Expression and biochemistry suite:

• peptide and protein fractionation (IEF, chromatography)
• protein engineering
• biochemical assays
• density gradient analysis

Funded by the generous donation of Charles and Elaine Shnier

Major Funding for the Proteomics and Biochemistry Services Platform Provided by:
BC Cancer Foundation	Western Economic Diversification Canada
Funded by the generous donation of Charles and Elaine Shnier

Contact Information

Key Publications utilizing the Proteomics Platform:

1. DeVorkin L, Go N, Hou YC, Moradian A, Morin GB, Gorski SM. The Drosophila effector caspase Dcp-1 regulates mitochondrial dynamics and autophagic flux via SesB.  Journal of Cell Biology. 2014 May 26;205(4):477-492. 
2. Premkumar V, Linger BR. Cranert S, Morin GB, Minium S, Price C. The 3' overhangs at Tetrahymena thermophila telomeres are packaged by four proteins, Pot1a, Tpt1, Pat1, and Pat2.  Eukaryotic Cell. 2014 Feb;13(2):240-5. 
3. van Wietmarschen N, Moradian A, Morin GB, Lansdorp PM, and Uringa E-J.  The mammalian proteins MMS19, MIP18, and ANT2 are involved in cytoplasmic iron-sulfur cluster protein assembly.  Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2012 Dec 21;287(52):43351-8. 
4. Cheng SW, Kuzyk MA, Moradian A, Ichu TA, Chang VC, Tien JF, Vollett SE, Griffith M, Marra MA, Morin GB.  Interaction of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 12/CrkRS with Cyclin K1 Is Required for the Phosphorylation of the C-Terminal Domain of RNA Polymerase II.  Molecular and Cellular Biology. 2012 Nov;32(22):4691-704. 
5. Liu X, Chen M, Lobo P, An J, Grace Cheng SW, Moradian A, Morin GB, Van Petegem F, Jiang X.  Molecular and structural characterization of the SH3 domain of AHI-1 in regulation of cellular resistance of BCR-ABL(+) chronic myeloid leukemia cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.  Proteomics. 2012 Jul;12(13):2094-106. 
6. Yip S, Butterfield YS, Morozova O, Chittaranjan S, Blough MD, An J, Birol I,  Chesnelong C, Chiu R, Chuah E, Corbett R, Docking R, Firme M, Hirst M, Jackman S, Karsan A, Li H, Louis DN, Maslova S, Moore R, Moradian A, Mungall K, Perizzolo M, Qian J, Roldan G, Smith EE, Tamura-Wells J, Thiessen N, Varhol R, Weiss S, Wu W, Young S, Zhao Y, Mungall A, Morin GB, Chan JA, Cairncross JG, Marco MA. Concurrent CIC mutations, IDH mutations and 1p/19q loss distinguish oligodendrogliomas from other cancers. Journal of Pathology. 2012 Jan;226(1):7-16. 

   *Winner of The Journal of Pathology Jeremy Jass Prize for Research Excellence in Pathology

7. Linger BR, Morin GB, and Price CM. The Pot1a-associated proteins Tpt1 and Pat1 coordinate telomere protection and length regulation in Tetrahymena. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 2011 Nov;22(21):4161-70. 
8. Tognon CE, Martin MJ, Moradian A, Trigo G, Rotblat B, Cheng SW, Pollard M, Uy E, Chow C, Carboni JM, Gottardis MM, Pollak M, Morin GB, Sorensen PH. A tripartite complex composed of ETV6-NTRK3, IRS1 and IGF1R is required for ETV6-NTRK3-mediated membrane localization and transformation.  Oncogene. 2012 Mar 8;31(10):1334-40. 
9. Yap DB, Chu J, Berg T, Schapira M, Cheng SWG, Moradian A, Morin R, Mungall A, Meissner B, Boyle M, Marquez V, Marra M, Gascoyne R, Humphries R, Arrowsmith C, Morin GB, and Aparicio S.  Somatic mutations at EZH2 Y641 act dominantly through a mechanism of selectively altered PRC2 catalytic activity, to increase H3K27 trimethylation. Blood. 2011 Feb 24;117(8):2451-9. 
10. Griffith M, Griffith O, Mwenifumbo J, Goya R, Morrissy S, Morin RD, Corbett R, Tang MJ, Hou YC, Pugh TJ, Robertson G, Chittaranjan S, Ally A, Asano JK, Chan SY, Li HI, McDonald H, Teague K, Zhao Y, Zeng T, Delaney A, Hirst M, Morin GB, Jones SJM, Tai IT, Marra MA. Alternative expression analysis by RNA sequencing. Nature Methods. 2010 Oct 7;7(10):843-7.  
11. Mead CR, Kuzyk MA, Moradian A, Wilson GM, Holt RA, Morin GB. Cytosolic Protein Interactions of the Schizophrenia Susceptibility Gene Dysbindin. Journal of Neurochemistry, 2010 March; 113:1491-1503.
12. Griffith M, Tang MJ, Griffith OL, Chan SY, Asano JK, Zeng T, Flibotte S, Ally A, Baross A, Morin RD, Hirst M, Jones SJM, Morin GB, Tai IT and Marra MA.  ALEXA – A microarray design platform for alternative expression analysis. Nature Methods. 2008 Feb;5(2):118.