Analytical Biochemistry Shared Resource

Analytical Biochemistry Shared Resource Summary The goals of the Analytical Biochemistry Shared Resource (ABSR) are to provide access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, advanced data analysis, and validated biomarker quantitative assay services to members of the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC). These goals are met through 3 Specific Aims: 1) Through the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory services, provide expertise on trace analysis of biologically important compounds, including DNA adductomic, exposomic, metabolomic, and proteomic services; 2) Through the Bioinformatics and Advanced Data Analysis services, process and analyze large and complex mass spectrometry -omics data sets, including DNA adductomics, exposomics, metabolomics, and proteomics data, and support and train users in the use of advanced data analysis software tools; and 3) Through the Biomarker Quantitation service, offer sensitive and quantitative methods for determining numerous chemical exposures in human urine, blood, or DNA. The members of MCC rely on ABSR staff for maintenance of instrumentation, guidance on related projects, method development, chromatography, and troubleshooting analytical problems. The Resource teaches and trains new users, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, on chemical analyses and mass spectrometric methods. New users receive one-on-one training from the staff on hands-on operation of both instrumentation and software. After training, the new users are usually capable of semi-independent use of most instrumentation. Experienced, trained users have continuous access 7 days a week. The less- experienced users operate the instruments under staff supervision. Dr. Peter Villalta (Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program [CC]) has been the director of ABSR since 2019, before which he coordinated the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory for 20 years. Other key staff include Dr. Sharon Murphy (CC), who coordinates the Biomarker Quantitation service; Dr. Scott Walmsley, who is the Bioinformatics Coordinator; Dr. Linda von Weimar, who supports the work of both the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory and the Biomarker Quantitation service; and Dr. Yangchuan Zhao, an analytic chemist in the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory. Users are billed by the hour for instrument usage, with CCSG funds subsidizing the rates for MCC members. ABSR was used by 48 investigators in fiscal year 2022, of whom 37 were members of MCC.