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July 21, 2021 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our July 21, 2021 Meeting — Online!
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Time:.....6:30 - 7:45 PM
Via:......Webex
Cost:.....Free
Join:.....[ below ]
Sponsor:..Agilent

Program
Speaker 1: Dr. John Schiel
PhD, NIST Biomolecular Measurement Division
“Multi-Attribute Mass Spectrometry as a Multi-Modality Technology”
Abstract:
Abstract:
Characterization of mAbs has evolved during the past 30 years to include a toolbox of measurements to elucidate identity, quality, and stability. Molecular complexity is magnified with gene therapies, as is the need to pursue adaptation of high-resolution analytical measurement approaches to further the understanding and development of these novel modalities. This talk will describe the principles of the multi-attribute mass spectrometry method (MAM) as applied to mAbs and its evolution toward identification and control of viral vector quality attributes.
About Dr. Schiel:
Bio:
Dr. Schiel received his BS (2004) and Ph.D. (2009) in chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and is currently a research chemist in the NIST Biomolecular Measurement Division. Dr. Schiel coordinates the development of Reference Materials that support the biomanufacturing industry, including the recombinant IgG1κ NIST monoclonal antibody Reference Material 8671 (NISTmAB). He also leads an analytical research team developing innovative approaches toward production/characterization of next generation biotherapeutics (e.g. viral vectors, cell therapy products, and vaccines) and de-risking of innovative technologies for lifecycle appropriate implementation and regulatory assimilation. He is an author of over 30 publications, an editor of the ACS book series “State-of-the-Art and Emerging Technologies for Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Characterization”, and recipient of numerous Awards including the Arthur S. Flemming Award, Department of Commerce Gold Medal, ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Fellowship, Bioanalysis Young Investigator Award, and UNL Early Achiever Award.
Speaker 2: Peter Rye
Application Scientist, Agilent
“Characterization and quantification of synthetic oligonucleotides using HRAM and QQQ”
Abstract:
Abstract: Mass spectrometry plays a vital role in the measurement and characterization of synthetic DNA and RNA oligonucleotides (oligos), which are used widely in molecular biology and in the development of therapeutics. This webinar will highlight (1) the quantitative analysis of oligos, both by QQQ and HRAM technologies, to achieve the best combination of sensitivity and speed, (2) impurities determinations using HRAM, multiple analysis techniques, and purpose-built software, and (3) high-throughput methods that enable the acquisition, analysis, and purity review of over 5,000 samples a day. Join us to push the speed, sensitivity, and dynamic range of oligo measurements to new heights.
Pre-registration is not required. Just join at the appointed time
NJACS MSDG invites you
to a Webex meeting.NJ-ACS Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
More ways to join:
Join from the meeting link:
https://njacsmsdg.my.webex.com/njacsmsdg.my/j.php?MTID=mfb241ec2bcd360aa25aaa41360c41b12
Join by meeting number:
Meeting number (access code): 182 221 1293
Meeting Password: nFAMNdAX834
(63266329 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone (voice only):
+1-510-338-9438 (USA Toll)
Access code: 182 221 1293
Or by a single tap on a mobile phone (voice only):
+1-510-338-9438,,1822211293#63266329# (USA Toll)
Join by video system, application or Skype for business
Dial 1822211293@webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter the meeting number.
Need help? Go to https://help.webex.com
.
(Past Events)
May 12, 2021 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our May 12, 2021 Meeting — Online!
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Time:.....7:00 - 8:15 PM
Via:......Webex
Cost:.....Free
Join:.....[ below ]
Sponsor:..Bruker
Program
Speaker 1: Dr. Matt Willetts
PhD, Bruker Scientific LLC, runs the Proteomics Applications for the Eastern US and is based in Billerica MA. Matt received his Ph.D. from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK
“timsTOF: Stop Compromising & have it all! – Throughput, Sensitivity, PTMs, Imaging, and Robustness”
Abstract:
Abstract:
Trapped Ion Mobility on the timsTOF enables you to find more proteins, faster and with less sample than ever before with enhanced DDA and new DIA approaches using parallel accumulation and followed up with serial fragmentation (PASEF). Throughput is now primed for clinical research cohorts. New SpatialOMx workflows on the timsTOF fleX mean you can image molecules on a tissue section and run a deep coverage LC-MS/MS analysis from the same sample, and on the same instrument.
Speaker 2: Ying Ge, PhD
Professor Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Chemistry, and Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison
“New Strategies in Top-down Proteomics for Precision Medicine”
Abstract:
Abstract: Transformative insights from a holistic approach at the systems level have great potential to elucidate disease mechanisms and to develop new therapeutic treatments for precision medicine. Proteomics is essential for deciphering how proteins interact as a system and for understanding the functions of cellular systems in human diseases. However, the unique characteristics of the human proteome, which include the large dynamic range of protein expression and the extreme complexity resulting from a plethora of post-translational modifications (PTMs) and sequence variations, make such analyses difficult. The top-down mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, which is based on analysis of intact proteins, is arguably the most powerful method to comprehensively characterize proteoforms that arise from genetic variations, alternative splicing, and PTMs. My group has made significant advances in top-down MS for analysis of large intact proteins purified from complex biological samples including cell and tissue lysate as well as body fluids. Recently, we are employing a multi-pronged approach to address the challenges in top-down proteomics in a comprehensive manner by developing new MS-compatible surfactants for protein solubilization, novel materials and new strategies for multi-dimensional chromatography separation of proteins, novel nanomaterials for enrichment of low-abundance proteins, as well as a new comprehensive user-friendly software package, MASH Explorer for top-down proteomics. In this talk I will present our recent technology developments in top-down high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics as well as its application to pharmaceutical research, cardiac systems biology and precision medicine.
Pre-registration is not required. Just join at the appointed time
NJACS MSDG invites you
to a Webex meeting.NJ-ACS Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
More ways to join:
Join from the meeting link:
https://njacsmsdg.my.webex.com/njacsmsdg.my/j.php?MTID=m5c4f9295cad8da91881d37e3bce54bf6
Join by meeting number:
Meeting number (access code): 182 595 8225
Meeting Password: egMHp2PMK85
(34647276 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone (voice only):
+1-510-338-9438 (USA Toll)
Access code: 182 595 8225
Or by a single tap on a mobile phone (voice only):
+1-510-338-9438,,1825958225#34647276# (USA Toll)
Join by video system, application or Skype for business
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter the meeting number.
Need help? Go to https://help.webex.com
.
(Past Events)
Apr 28, 2021 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our April 2021 Meeting — Online!
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Time:.....7:00 - 8:15 PM
Via:......Webex
Cost:.....Free
Join:.....[ below ]
Sponsor:..MOBILion Systems Inc.

Program
Speaker 1: Daniel DeBord
PhD, Director of R&D MOBILion Systems Inc.
“Is Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulation (SLIM) a One Trick Pony or a One Stop Shop for Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Analysis?”
Abstract:
Abstract: Since its introduction in 2014, SLIM has been used to demonstrate unprecedented levels of ion mobility resolution and the potential impact of this resolution on both the depth and throughput of analysis.Integration has focused on the combination of high-resolution ion mobility (HRIM) with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in the form of time of flight instrumentation. This system configuration provides broad spectrum acquisition along with fast analysis times, making it most suitable for discovery or characterization analyses where the goal is to see “everything” with as much specificity as possible.
Researchers at MOBILion have been working to evolve SLIM functionality to also support targeted applications where the goal is instead to focus on a certain number of analytes, but to be able to detect them as accurately and sensitively as possible, even within complex biological matrices. This presentation will provide an overview of these various designs of the SLIM and show how this platform technology can be tailored to enhance the performance of all types of mass spectrometric detection.
Speaker 2: Jeffrey Agar
PhD, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science at Northeastern University's Barnett Institute
“Top-down- and ion mobility MS-enabled drug discovery for ALS”
Abstract:
Abstract: We have employed top-down MS to discover ALS-related structural changes to SOD1, an ALS-associated protein. Topics will include custom-made antibodies to purify SOD1 (which can cause ALS) from ALS patients; using ultrahigh resolution MS to determine the sites of PTMs and how these modifications effect SOD1 higher-order structure; determining which modifications are disease-relevant using neurotoxicology assays; and the development of a novel, privileged chemistry using modified cyclic disulfides, for preventing oxidative PTMs and stabilizing proteins.
Pre-registration is not required. Just join at the appointed time
NJACS MSDG invites you
to a Webex meeting.NJ-ACS Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group Virtual Meeting -- Hosted by MOBILion Systems Inc.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
More ways to join:
Join from the meeting link:
https://njacsmsdg.my.webex.com/njacsmsdg.my/j.php?MTID=m6259274ea15ade2e5e42aac0aeab1778
Join by meeting number:
Meeting number (access code): 182 837 8684
Meeting Password: aFHN2U2jgx5
(23462825 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone:
+1-510-338-9438 (USA Toll)
Access code: 182 604 4539
Join by video system, application or Skype for business
Dial 1828378684@webex.com
you can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter the meeting number.
Need help? Go to https://help.webex.com
.
(Past Events)
Mar 23, 2021 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our March 2021 Meeting — Online!
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Time:.....7:00 - 8:15 PM
Via:......Webex
Cost:.....Free
Join:.....[ below ]
Sponsor:..Shimadzu

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments cordially invites you to join us for an online talk on improving throughput in your laboratory.
Program
Speakers: Stephen Kurzyniec
Pharma/Biopharma Business Development Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
“Mass Spec Approaches to Supporting Biologic Development”
Abstract:
Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become the most common modality for Biopharma therapeutic research programs. Years of research and development are required to identify the best candidate to move forward into clinical trials. Along the way, many analytical assays are used to screen, characterize and quantify these biomolecules. Traditionally, immunoassays such as ELISA (enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay) have been the preferred analytical method, but more techniques have been stepping up to the challenge. Since the unique critical reagents required for ELISA can take months to generate, analytical techniques that take less method development time can have an “early-adoption” advantage that speeds up critical decision-making. Among them, LC-MS is the most appealing due to the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity achieved by it.
In this presentation, we will discuss workflows to aid in the development, characterization and quantitation monoclonal antibodies. Shimadzu’s Cell Culture Media analysis provides bioprocess development scientists a 125-component snapshot in a single 17-minute LCMSMS method. Coupled with Protein Metrics Byos software, Shimadzu’s 9030 LCMS-QToF can provide an in-depth assessment of a mAb’s overall composition. Finally, Shimadzu’s nSMOL immunocapture kit for the quantitation of traditional mAbs, biosimilars, and hybrids by LC-MS/MS. Along with the nSMOL kit, the Ultra Fast scanning (30000 u/sec) and extreme sensitivity of the Shimadzu LCMS-8060 system allows for the detection of many CDR peptides from a single mAb or even for multiplexed samples in a single analytical run. The minimal method development time of nSMOL coupled with mass spectrometry can be a game-changer for mAb analysis in a high-throughput laboratory.
Pre-registration is not required. Just join at the appointed time
NJACS MSDG invites you
to a Webex meeting.“Mass Spec Approaches to Supporting Biologic Development”
Host: NJACS MSDG
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Meeting number: 182 604 4539
Password: KSem85aCfg8
(57368522 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone +1-510-338-9438 (USA Toll)
Access code: 182 604 4539
Need help? Go to https://help.webex.com
.
(Past Events)
Sep 22, 2020 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our September 2020 Meeting — Online!
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Time:.....7:00 PM
Via:......Webex
Cost:.....Free
Join:.....[ below ]
Sponsor:..Novatia

Program
Speakers: Robert Schuster and Kevin McCarl
Novatia, LLC Newtown, PA
“Automated deconvolution and analysis of intact biomolecule MS data: From Antibody drug conjugates to oligonucleotides”
Abstract:
Abstract: ProMass is the only fully automated mass spectrum deconvolution software package with versatile integration into ThermoFisher, Waters and SCIEX instrument operating platforms and a wide array of applications. ProMass can be used to analyze the mass spectra of oligonucleotides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), small molecules and a variety of polymeric materials. This webinar will focus on the application of ProMass to characterize antibody drug conjugates and oligonucleotides. One study is the application of ProMass in conjunction with a Waters qTOF mass spectrometer to characterize lysine- and cysteine- antibody drug conjugate standards produced in-house, including automated DAR calculation. In another study, ProMass HR was partnered with a Thermo Orbitrap to isotopically resolve oligonucleotide standards and a Thermo LTQ XL to develop a high throughput platform for rapid oligonucleotide quality control analysis.
Bio for: Robert Schuster, Ph.D.
Bio: Robert Schuster holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Oakland University (2008), an M.S. in Chemistry from Tufts University (2011) and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from Purdue University (2016). During his time at Purdue University, Rob worked with Laurie L. Parker and Jean-Christophe Rochet in the study of intracellular tyrosine kinase activation in Parkinson’s disease and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, using exogenous peptide-based substrates and mass spectrometry (MS) quantitation. This work resulted in a patent on the development of degradation resistant peptide substrates to measure tyrosine kinase activation. As a Senior Research Fellow (Postdoctoral research associate) with Jing Zhang, at the University of Washington School of Medicine, he worked on protein biomarker identification, and the development of MS-based quantitative assays to analyze total protein and PTMs in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Rob developed chemical derivatization methods to improve the sensitivity of assays measuring abundantly low peptides. Rob joined Novatia as a Senior Scientist in April 2018.
Bio for: Kevin McCarl, B.S.
Bio: Kevin received his B.S. in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh (2016), where he did research under the direction of Dr. Stephen Weber. The bulk of Kevin’s research involved investigating the relationship between column temperature, mobile phase composition, and solute retention using HPLC and various stationary phases. Also during his time at Pitt, he designed and implemented a group research project which utilized GC-MS to determine the relative nicotine and carcinogen content in E-cigarette juices. Kevin joined Novatia in October 2016 as an Associate Research Scientist to provide and improve Novatia’s LC-MS platform services for biomolecules. He was was promoted to Research Scientist in early 2018 and has since expanded his analysis efforts. He also maintains the Novatia website and manages the company’s marketing efforts.
Pre-registration is not required. Just join at the appointed time
NJACS MSDG invites you to a Webex meeting.
“Automated deconvolution and analysis of intact biomolecule MS data: From Antibody drug conjugates to oligonucleotides”
Host: NJACS MSDG
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Meeting number (access code): 142 133 8594
Meeting password: JXqpjdAD697 (59775323 from phones and video systems).....
Need help? Go to https://help.webex.com
(Past Events)
Jun 24, 2020 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our June 2020 Meeting — Online!
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Time:.....7:00 PM
Via:......Webex
Cost:.....Free
Register:.[ below ]
Sponsor:..Bruker

Program
Speaker: Jarrod A. Marto, PhD
Principal Investigator, Dept. of Cancer Biology Dept. of Oncologic Pathology, Director, Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Associate Professor, Dept. of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA
“Leveraging the timsTOF Pro Platform to Interrogate the Functional Proteome”
Abstract:
Abstract: Despite the growing use of mass spectrometry in biomedical research, the wide dynamic range of protein expression and varying stoichiometry of post-translational modifications represent a significant hurdle to achieving ‘unbiased’ proteome characterization. These limitations also impede our ability to identify and characterize new protein drug targets. In this presentation I will discuss our recent efforts to leverage the unique analytical performance of the timsTOF Pro platform to interrogate multiple aspects of the functional proteome. Examples will include deep proteome coverage of highly enriched, primary human cells, analysis of post-translational modifications, characterization of selective small molecule inhibitors, as well as our initial efforts to develop parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) acquisition on the timsTOF Pro for biomarker validation.
Registration
NJACS MSDG invites you
to a Webex meeting that
requires registration.
“Leveraging the timsTOF Pro Platform to Interrogate
the Functional Proteome”
Host: NJACS MSDG
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Need help? Go to https://help.webex.com
(Past Events)
Mar 10, 2020 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our March 2020 Monthly Meeting.
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Date: Tuesday March 10, 2020
Venue: Somerville Elks Lodge 1068
375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-707-1545
Sponsor: Agilent Technologies
Please register here. Registration is free, compliments of our sponsor.
Program
5:30 PM Social and Registration
6:15 PM Complimentary Dinner
6:55 PM Welcome and Opening Remarks
7:05 PM Speakers
Speaker 1: Jim Arndt, PhD
Applications Scientist, MOBILion Systems, Inc.
“Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM) for the Masses”
Abstract for Jim Arndt:
Abstract: Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulation (SLIM) is a high-resolution ion mobility technique that enables ion packets to be transmitted around corners enabling several meters of separation in a small footprint without ion loss during separation1-3. In the last year, MOBILion Systems, Inc. has developed, and will commercialize, a thirteen-meter SLIM device coupled exclusively to Agilent Q-ToF systems. In our product overview seminar we will dive into our technical development and innovation efforts that are leading to the commercial product, with emphasis on proof-of-concept data in life science markets. Discussions will include lipidomics, clinical research testing, and biologic therapeutic characterization.
Speaker 2: Qing Wang, PhD, MHS, MS
Founder and CEO, Complete Omics Inc.
“Direct Detection and Quantification of Neo-antigens”
Abstract for Qing Wang:
Abstract: Many immunotherapeutic approaches under development rely on T-cell recognition of cancer-derived peptides bound to human leukocyte antigen molecules on the cell surface. Direct experimental demonstration that such peptides are processed and bound is currently challenging. Here we described a method that meets this challenge. The method entailed an optimized immuno-precipitation protocol coupled with two-dimensional chromatography and mass spectrometry. The ability to detect and quantify minute amounts of pre-defined antigens should be useful for both basic research in tumor immunology as well as for the development of rationally-designed cancer vaccines.
(Past Events)
Oct 9, 2019 – MSDG Monthly Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our October 2019 Monthly Meeting.
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Date: Wednesday October 9, 2019
Venue: Somerville Elks Lodge 1068
375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908)707-1545
Sponsor: Bruker

Please register here. Registration is free, compliments of our sponsor.
Program
5:30 PM Social and Registration
6:15 PM Complimentary Dinner
6:55 PM Welcome and Opening Remarks
7:05 PM Speakers
Speaker 1: Prof. Peter Jackson, Ph.D.
Stanford University
“Cancer Mechanisms and Profiling from Analysis of AP/MS and Shotgun Proteomics”
Abstract for Peter Jackson:
One fifth of human cancers contain mutations activating the Ras GTPases, but no targeted therapies are yet available. Many effectors of the Ras pathway and potential targets remain underexplored and we have limited understanding of numerous paralogs of Ras effectors and other redundancies that contribute to Ras tumor growth. Here, we produce a multiomic map of the Ras function in lung adenocarcinoma. We use affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP/MS) to generate a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. From this network, we constructed a sgRNA library covering 120 Ras pathway genes and screened for genetic interactions (GIs) by CRISPR dual knockout. We find new effectors of Ras-driven cellular function, and over 250 synthetic lethal GIs, presenting new candidate single and combination therapeutic targets. We identify important synergies between Ras and Rap signaling and between their downstream effector pathways. Our recent studies have used selective covalent inhibitors of a KRAS-G12C allele from the Shokat lab to address global signaling changes by shotgun proteomics, using the Bruker timsTOF. I will present the latest technical details for our data and also outline our informatics pipeline, which provides critical validation of our MS findings. These discoveries illustrate the power of multiomic interaction-mapping approach and may be applied to analyze a range of human diseases or other biological systems.
Speaker 2: Tharan Srikumar, Ph.D.
Bruker Daltonics
“New Dimensions in Confidence for OMICS and HCPs with TIMS Technology”
Abstract for Tharan Srikumar:
Confidence in mass spectrometry measurements is key for advancing drug discovery projects. Bruker provides a comprehensive line of ESI and MALDI TOF instruments as well industry leading ultrahigh resolution MRMS systems and the evolutionary timsTOF Pro. The timsTOF Pro with PASEF relies on a unique dual Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS) front end to provide nearly 100% duty cycle with no loss of ions. When combined with the Parallel Accumulation Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) method, the timsTOF Pro with PASEF enables sequencing speeds in excess of 100 Hz, and significant improvements in sensitivity. Powered by TIMS, the instrument provides separation for simple isomers and conformers and stands as an integrated part of 4D omics workflows because of the accurate and reproducible collisional cross-sections (CCS) values for all peptides. Recently, the TIMS technology has been applied to host cell protein (HCP) analysis of mAbs with record speed and depth. Newly announced diaPASEF enables more ways to accurately quantify proteins. The presentation will show how the technology can benefit HCP analysis and OMICS to step up the research to the next level.
(Past Events)
Tue Sep 17, 2019 – MSDG Vendor Show & Symposium
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our September 2019 Annual Vendor Show and Symposium.
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Venue: Somerville Elks Lodge 1068
375 Union Avenue
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-707-1545
www.somervilleelks.org
Please register here. Registration is free, compliments of our sponsors.
A limited number of free drink tickets will be provided to early attendees!
The Vendor Show features the following sponsors / vendors / collaborators on site (listed in the order of registration):
Program
3:00 – 5:00 PM Registration, Vendor Show, and Poster Session
5:00 – 5:45 PM Prof Benjamin A. Garcia (University of Pennsylvania)
5:45 – 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner (raffle prizes will be announced)
7:00 – 8:00 PM Prof Vicki Wysocki (The Ohio State University)
Speaker 1: Prof Benjamin Garcia
University of Pennsylvania
“Quantitative Proteomics for Understanding the Epigenetic Cancer Code”
Abstract for Prof Garcia:
Histones are small proteins that package DNA into chromosomes, and a large number of studies have showed that several post-translational modification (PTM) sites on the histones are associated with both gene activation and silencing. Along with DNA and small non-coding RNA, histone PTMs make up epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression patterns outside of DNA sequence mutations. Dysregulation of these chromatin networks underlie several human diseases such as cancer. Here I will give an update on technology advancements that have allowed for high-throughput quantitative analyses of histone PTMs and chromatin structure, and how we are applying these methods to understand epigenetic reprogramming found in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). MPNST is an aggressive sarcoma with recurrent loss of function alterations in polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a histone-modifying complex involved in transcriptional silencing.
Speaker 2: Prof Vicki Wysocki
The Ohio State University
“Native Mass Spectrometry and Surface-Induced Dissociation: Characterization of Protein and Nucleoprotein Complexes”
Abstract for Prof Wysocki:
Characterization of the overall topology and inter-subunit contacts of protein complexes, and their assembly/disassembly and unfolding pathways, is critical because protein complexes regulate key biological processes, including processes important in understanding and controlling disease. Tools to address structural biology problems continue to improve. Native mass spectrometry and associated technologies are becoming an increasingly important component of the structural biology toolbox. When the mass spectrometry approach is used early or mid-course in a structural characterization project, it can provide answers quickly using small sample amounts and samples that are not fully purified. Integration of sample preparation/purification with effective dissociation methods, ion mobility, and computational approaches provide a MS workflow that can be enabling in biochemical, synthetic biology, and systems biology approaches. Beyond what MS can provide as a stand-alone tool, MS can also guide and/or be integrated with other structural biology approaches such as NMR, X-ray crystallography, and cryoEM. MS can determine whether the complex of interest exists in a single or in multiple oligomeric states and can provide characterization of topology/intersubunit connectivity, and other structural features. Examples will be presented to illustrate the role MS and surface-induced dissociation can play in guiding a structural biology workflow and will include designed protein complexes and isolated or recombinant protein and nucleoprotein complexes.
(Past Events)
May 7, 2019 – MSDG Meeting
The NJ Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group is pleased to announce our May 2019 Monthly Meeting.
NJ MSDG is the second largest mass spectrometry professional association in the nation behind ASMS, with over 1,100 members in the tristate area.
Date: Tuesday May 7, 2019
Venue: Somerville Elks Lodge 1068
375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908)707-1545
Sponsor: Waters

Please register here. Registration is free, compliments of our sponsor.
Program
5:30 PM Social and Registration
6:15 PM Complimentary Dinner
6:55 PM Welcome and Opening Remarks
7:05 PM Speakers
Speaker 1: Scott A. Robotham, Ph.D.
Research Investigator, Bioanalytical Sciences, Bristol-Myers Squibb
“Improving Biomarker Assay Workflows by Ensuring Reagent Quality using LC-MS Characterization”
Abstract for Scott A. Robotham:
The success of any assay is heavily dependent on the reagents used. For most assays this involves reagent antibodies, but in the case of biomarker assays recombinant proteins that act as a reference material for method development and QC are reagents that must be generated and characterized. Ensuring the quality of this reference protein is critical to the assay development, however oftentimes the only QC performed on these calibrator proteins is gel shift assay, which while useful only confirms if a protein is relatively close to the correct expected molecular weight. In order to provide a more accurate results, our group has utilized intact mass analysis to confirm amino acid sequences of calibrator proteins allowing for better quality control (QC) of these regents. In addition to this we have recently started to apply bottom-up proteomics techniques to our biomarker analysis in an effort to get additional information about these calibrator proteins. In this talk, two examples of how we are leveraging bottom-up to improve our reagent biomarkers workflows will be highlighted. The first example will explain how we are using proteomics to obtain sequence information for calibrator proteins that have amino acid sequences that are uncertain. For the second example our ongoing efforts to couple proteomics with immunocapture in order to characterize endogenous biomarkers will be discussed.
Speaker 2: Weibin Chen, Ph.D.
Director, Scientific Operations, Waters Corporation
“Expanding Accessibility to High Performance LCMS Analytics in Biopharma: From Molecular Characterization to Attribute Monitoring”
Abstract for Weibin Chen:
Mass spectrometry (MS) has long been an enabling technology in the regulatory definition of a well‐ characterized biotherapeutic protein. It is an invaluable tool to characterize molecular structures, assess process variabilities, and monitor the critical quality attributes of biotherapeutics – but until just recently has it been made accessible to biochemists. Recent advances in LC, MS and informatics technologies are transforming biotherapeutic analyses, not only in terms of the quality of analytical data, but also in their accessibility for biochemists to generate, capture, and harness top‐quality LC/MS information to enable faster decision making.This talk will focus on how the evolving requirements of biotherapeutic analysis are addressed using modern LCMS analytical workflows built upon the recent introduced BioAccord system, and on how the leading separation, spectrometric, and informatics technologies are expanding the range of analytical challenges that MS workflows can routinely address while maintaining data integrity. We will provide several case studies on a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for routine characterization and product quality attributes monitoring, and highlight how a workflow‐driven approach can produce time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry data that is not only highly comparable in quality to more complex advanced MS instruments, but that is more available to non‐traditional MS users in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing organizations.