NPC
Netherlands Proteomics Centre
Mass spectrometry-based proteomics encompasses the large-scale analysis of proteins, with the aim to elucidate their function in the context of their natural environment. The NPC seeks to develop the next generation of high-level mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies, equipment and expertise for the academic and industrial biological and biomedical communities and to provide access to those technologies to the Dutch and European research communities. The NPC plays a pivotal pioneering and innovative role in Europe, coordinating European proteomics infrastructure initiatives, and is crucial for Life Sciences and Health in the Netherlands and Europe.
Infrastructure and User Services
In the NPC, access is provided to cutting-edge mass spectrometry and proteomics. High-resolution instruments like timsTOF, Orbitraps, ZenoTOFs and modern triple quadrupole systems deliver unprecedented sensitivity, speed, and dynamic range.. Furthermore, additional techniques like ion mobility separation, fractionation or enrichment, add another dimension for complex sample analysis, enable deeper proteome coverage. Access to these instruments is provided in a service model, whereby operators from the NPC collaborate with the users of the facility to perform the experiments. This includes checks on sample quality, analysis of the samples on the most suitable mass spectrometer, and support with data analysis. Next to this hardware support the NPC provides support in data analysis and develops software for advanced interpretation of the complex data generated.
Examples/description of the type of research
Proteomics research uses mass spectrometry (MS) to comprehensively analyze the entire set of proteins (the proteome) in cells, tissues, or organisms. This approach identifies and quantifies proteins, their modifications, interactions, and dynamics within biological systems. Researchers apply proteomics to study fundamental principles in biology, but also to discover biomarkers for disease diagnosis and monitoring, identify drug targets and study therapeutic mechanisms, and map protein-protein interaction networks. Through labeling or enrichment strategies it is possible to map the interaction between cells, discover the immunopeptidome on HLA molecules and how they are recognized by the immune system, or map data of plasma proteins in patient material over time.
Proteomics is also used to characterize post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, glycosylation and lipidation, track protein expression changes during development or disease progression, investigate structural proteomics and protein folding, and study proteome dynamics in response to environmental changes. Continuous technological advances keep improving sensitivity, allowing detection of low-abundance proteins, like very small amounts of patient material or even at the single cell level. Furthermore, high-throughput methods are improving, enabling large-scale studies across multiple samples.
How to access the infrastructure?
Users access the facility by contacting a principal investigator, senior operator, or lab manager via our website or by sending an email to info@netherlandsproteomicscentre.nl, to discuss their requests and assess technical feasibility. Experiments are jointly designed with the operator. Users may visit the facility during measurements (physical access) to assist with sample preparation and data analysis, with local operators conducting the measurements. Alternatively, users can send samples for analysis, receiving results remotely. The Centre also provides support in data analysis, organization, and public deposition under FAIR principles.