Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) is the technology of choice for large-scale proteomic profiling and targeted quantitative bioanalytical analysis.

Sensitive, precise, and accurate, it is used for multiple applications, ranging from discovery of targets and biomarkers to quantification of biomarkers in support of clinical trials and diagnostic development.

CellCarta has led the way in the industrialization of MS platforms by applying them to the needs of the industry.

Our team of scientists has years of experience developing and refining MS workflows for specific applications, all while applying GCLP principles and rigorous QA/QC.

In addition to its extensive work on biomarker development, CellCarta has proven expertise working with commercial partners for the development of mass spectrometry-based diagnostics, which led to commercialized diagnostic tests.

Our scientists continuously strive to develop new ways to harness the power of mass spectrometry.  Through their deep understanding of the science and access to sophisticated instrumentation, they find solutions to optimize assays based on your needs.

Our proteomic services are driven by two platforms which are the backbone for many key applications in all fields – from discovery and preclinical studies to clinical trials.

The discovery platform – liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) – for the unbiased profiling of large numbers of potential targets and biomarkers.

And the targeted platform – liquid chromatography coupled with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) – to provide detailed and quantitative insights into your markers of interest.

Adding to our technical know-how, our proven methods of sample processing, data acquisition and bioinformatics result in scalable workflows generating reproducible results.

We have developed a unique expertise in pre-analytical sample processing, allowing for the enrichment of the proteome of interest, a key requirement to ensure optimal sensitivity.

We can enrich low-abundance proteins from tissues or relevant biological matrices, including proteins with post-translational modifications.

Analysis can be performed on any species or biological matrices. Workflows for plasma, serum, cells, fresh, frozen, and FFPE tissues, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, as well as vitreous and aqueous humor are available.

Unbiased LC-MS/MS is a hypothesis-free platform that allows the discovery of novel biomarkers or targets.

Since its beginning, CellCarta has applied this strategy for large-scale proteomic analysis to identify proteins (e.g. biomarkers or targets) which exhibit differential expression between study cohorts.

Our proteomics team has developed robust, industrialized procedures to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.

• Compatibility with a wide range of sample matrices
• Simultaneous identification and relative quantification of proteins
• Analysis of 1000s of proteins across thousands of samples
• Comprehensive proteome coverage
• Applicable to the analysis of phosphorylated species and other post-translationally modified proteins

Performed on high-resolution hybrid quadrupole/orbitrap mass spectrometers, and supported by robust statistical analysis, unbiased LC-MS/MS enables the detection and relative quantification of thousands of proteins in a single sample.

• Discovery of new biomarkers
• Discovery of cell surface targets
• Identify Neo-Epitopes (MHC-I and MHC-II)
• Detect host cell proteins (HCP) in biologics and biosimilars

Use of MRM for the analysis of proteins in clinical samples has been increasing due to its high sensitivity and specificity, and its ability to provide absolute quantification.

Its multiplexing capabilities have potential time and cost savings advantages over antibody-based methods.

• Precise multiplexed relative quantification of up to 350 proteins
  as follow up on candidates
• Precise and accurate multiplexed absolute quantification of
  up to 10 proteins for clinical applications
• Off-the shelf multiplexed panels or rapid development of custom assays
• Option to couple with hybrid immunoaffinity assays to enrich
  low-abundant proteins
• Validated assays for clinical use under GCLP and CAP/CLIA environments

Using triple quadrupole or hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometers coupled to upfront liquid chromatography, the MRM platform offers superior specificity, sensitivity and quantification of analytes of interest.

With its double selection approach (Q1-Q3), which improves signal-to-noise and reduces interference, and the multiple measurements per protein, MRM is one of the most specific assays for protein measurement.

Customizing MRM-based assays

CellCarta offers multiple approaches based on customer needs and study goals.

These range from research-grade assays that measure hundreds of proteins for rapid evaluation of biomarker candidates, to assays that provide absolute quantification of a single or a few proteins for clinical applications and regulatory submission.

• Biomarker discovery and verification – panels of up to 350 proteins
• Absolute or relative quantification of proteins and their post-translational modifications
• PK assays for biotherapeutics
• Quantification of host cell proteins (HCP) impurities in biologics and biosimilars