Department of Biological Sciences

Protein and Proteomics Centre

A Centre for Research on Proteins, Peptides and Functional Genomics

Welcome to PPC, your friendly resource centre. We are located at S3-L3. The Centre has several sophisticated instruments used commonly for protein separation, analysis and characterization. All instruments are available to research personnel on a pay-per-use basis.

The Proteins and Proteomics Centre (PPC) is an excellent multi-user facility located in Room 312, Block S3-Level 3. It houses a wide variety of state-of-the-art equipment for protein purification, characterization and structure determination. It caters for advanced research in proteins including proteomics, protein conformation and folding studies, synthetic and combinatorial peptides and protein-protein interaction studies. It also provides hands-on training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students through workshops, practical or project-works and leads to the development of essential skills needed to support top-level research. Thus PPC supports research projects in proteomics, protein science and technology, chemical biology, drug design, immunology, and structural biology. One of the future plans for the PPC includes establishment of a protein interactions facility. A wide array of equipment for the purification of macromolecules [several HPLC systems; FPLC; SMART microbore LC system] is available. Other important equipment include the Shimadzu amino acid analysis system, ABI Procise 494 protein sequencing system and the multiple peptide synthesizer (ABI Pioneer System). The Centre also houses a Jasco spectropolarimeter for studying protein conformation and structure. Our mass spectral facility has three mass spectrometers - one Triple Quadrupole LC/MS (API 300 MS/MS); one MALDI-Tof MS (ABI Voyager STR); and a Q-Tof MS (Micromass Q-TOF 2) with capillary LC. With the emergence in the field of proteomics, the Centre recently acquired substantial number of new equipment (2-D Gel Electrophoresis systems; Gel Imaging System; automated Gel Spot Cutter; MassPREP robotic spot digestion system; Q-Tof II MS). Currently, several projects in proteomics are already under way at NUS, which routinely use the PPC's facilities.

To facilitate the application of technologies in the areas of structure and design, so as to complement and enhance the research and training programmes of the NUS Departments of Biological Sciences, with particular emphasis on proteomics, structural biology and functional genomics, for the development of biotechnology industries in Singapore.

REGISTRATION Each user must first register prior to accessing any equipment at PPC. Registration is free. Registration forms are available from the Centre. Please ask any one of our staff for a copy. E-copies may be also requested by email from: dbskhost@nus.edu.sg. For the on line form please click here.

USE OF EQUIPMENT Some of the equipment at PPC is available for the use by the researcher only. These include various HPLC systems, spectrometers, and the peptide synthesizer. For these, please bring along with you all necessary consumable items. Examples of items that you will bring with you are: solvents, LC columns, sample filters, and syringes for HPLC analysis; amino acids and solid supports for peptide synthesis. Items such as pipettes, pipette tips, test tubes for fraction collectors, plastic falcon tubes, and gloves are examples of disposable lab-wares that you should also bring with you. Some specialized items such as freeze-drying flasks are available for loan in limited numbers, while gases for HPLCs and spectrometers are supplied by the PPC.

Protein/Peptide Microsequencing
In-gel Digestion Procedures for Proteomic Analysis
Micro desalting of peptides and proteins by Zip-tips.
Mass Spectrometric (MS) Analysis by MALDI -Tof MS and Q -Tof MS.

MS analyses include MW determination, Peptide Mass Fingerprinting (PMF), and peptide sequencing by MS/MS.

BOOKING SYSTEM As many instruments of PPC are under constant demand for use, we have instituted a booking system, strictly on a first-come-first-served basis. You are requested to contact our staff for making a reservation.

In a case where you cannot use the reserved instrument on the date assigned to you, it is important that you contact our staff as soon as possible to make a cancellation. This will allow us to assign the instrument to another user. Failure to make the necessary cancellation repeatedly may lead to a fine levied to your supervisor.

All users must abide by ALL Rules and Regulations of PPC
User must conduct himself or herself in such a manner as not to interfere with work of others.
Good and safe work habits will be followed at all times.
All current safety regulations of DBS and NUS will be followed at all times.
Protective dress code will be strictly followed.
No unauthorized persons are allowed to use any equipment of PPC.
User will ensure that he or she is familiar with the use of the equipment.
Proper entries will be made in the LOGBOOK supplied prior to using the equipment. Failure to follow this rule will lead to barring from PPC for one month.
In the Logbook, you must provide your name/ Supervisor's name/ Contact number. The purpose for this is so we may be able to notify you quickly in case of an instrument breakdown or other mishaps.
User will ensure that equipment and the area near it are properly cleaned up after use, and leave the equipment in a good working order.
User will report any problems or malfunctions immediately to the Lab Staff on duty.

Proteomic Tools

BioRad Spot Cutter, with PD Quest Gel Imaging Software
Micromass MassPREP Robotic System

Separation Systems

Pharmacia FPLC System
Pharmacia System S.M.A.R.T.
ABI BioCad LC Systems

Protein Sequencer

ABI Procise 494 Protein Sequencer

Peptide Synthesis

ABI Pioneer Model 433A Peptide Synthesizer

Spectrometers

Jasco 715 Spectropolarimeter

Centrifuges

Beckman XL90 Ultracentrifuge (Beckman, XL 90, Fixed angle rotor Type 90 Ti, Swing out rotor SW 41 Ti, Vertical rotor NTV 90)
Beckman J2 High Speed Centrifuge (Beckman, TLX, Swing out rotor TLS 55, Fixed angle rotors TLA 120.1, TLA 100.4)

In-gel Digestion and MALDI Tof MS
Ms. Wang Xianhui or Ms Michelle Mok
Tel: 6516 4594(O); 6516 2697(MS Room)