EMU: Acquisition of Multi-User Platform for Large-Scale Proteomic Analysis

• Grant number: 23/17154-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Vitor Marcel Faça
• Grantee: Vitor Marcel Faça
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Geraldo Aleixo da Silva Passos Júnior ; João Santana da Silva ; Roberto do Nascimento Silva

Abstract

Proteomic applications in biomolecular sciences have been expanding consistently, due to the maturity of the approach in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility and quantitative capacity, following the trend of other "omics" areas. Currently, the USP campus in Ribeirão Preto is not supported by a platform capable of exploring complex proteomic studies in basic or clinical scientific research. Here, we propose the updating and expansion of Institutional technical capabilities in the area of mass spectrometry to implement a modern proteomics platform to support biomolecular and translational studies, in order to sustain the most diverse areas of research such as the characterization of molecular signatures, identification of post-translational modifications, monitoring and prediction of response to treatments, clinical intervention guidance, identification of therapeutic targets, among others. The current moment is particularly interesting for the implementation of a modern proteomics platform, as it complements and expands the impact of other local initiatives, such as the Center for Genomic Medicine, the Institutional Biobank and the new genomic studies in progress locally, as well as the entire innovation environment of companies and startups at the Supera Parque. Finally, the platform already has qualified human resources for operation and training of new users, it does not require additional resources for infrastructure, and has a very special price condition being offered by the instrument manufacturer to promote this institutional partnership. Furthermore, the platform will be self-sufficient in terms of operation and maintenance costs, using fee-for-service model within the FMRP-USP Multi-User Equipment and Services Center (CESM-FMRP). For all these reasons, the present proposal can place regional science within the international research and innovation scenario when it involves the evaluation of complex protein systems applied to biomolecular sciences in general and also within translational sciences and precision medicine. (AU)