Proteomic Fractionation Group

The Proteomic Fractionation Group (PFG) at UMass Medical School is a state-of-the-art proteomics laboratory that serves both UMass and external investigators in their proteomic fractionation needs. The focus of the lab is the reproducible and quantitative analysis of complex protein mixtures derived from whole organisms, tissues, cells, sub-cellular fractions or partially purified mixtures.

By fractionating complex protein mixtures, the quantitative detection of a broad range of proteins is enabled. Technologies and expertise of the Protein Fractionation Group laboratory include

high-throughput two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE)
abundant protein depletion from biological fluids
liquid phase isoelectric focusing
differential protein labeling
liquid chromatography
quantitative 2D gel image analysis.

The state-of-the-art software Progenesis Discovery and Informatics by Nonlinear Dynamics allows for the quantitative analysis of thousands of spots over hundreds of 2D gels to identify proteins whose concentrations are altered due to experimental conditions. Once detected, robotics is employed for protein spot excision and processing for MS analysis. The laboratory has developed protein fractionation strategies that consistently deliver high-quality results to meet the needs of their clients.