News article

2^nd Protein Rainbow Workshop - SELDI for Biomarker Research Düsseldorf, September 06 – 09, 2010

Understanding the factors that influence human health and cause diseases are one of the major driving forces of bio-medical research. Quantitative proteomic analysis gives the opportunity to identify novel biomarker enabling early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. In this context, direct protein expression profiling utilizing retentate affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization - SELDI-MS) represent one of the most promising approaches for identifying new biomarkers. Combining SELDI ProteinChip® array technology (Bio-Rad) with Bruker's MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry (Lucid Proteomics System), enable both top-down and bottom-up proteomics approaches for high-confidence biomarker discovery and identification on one system.

This proposed training school is intended to introduce, improve and expand practice and knowledge regarding state-of-the-art technologies for biomarker discovery using SELDI-MS. In this context one major aim is to continue the tradition of the German Diabetes Center (GDC) to foster immediate scientific collaborations around Europe.

The course agenda covers theoretical and practical aspects ranging from study design, specific sample preparation, SELDI-mass spectrometry to quantitative bio-informatic protein pattern analyses. The course will last four days and target early stage researchers from laboratories of the ADAPT and COST collaboration projects. Thus, this project will substantially contribute to framework networking, generating a visible added-value for ADAPT/COST.

In order to provide effective practical training, the course will be restricted to 8 attendees. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own samples (blood serum/plasma) for analysis. Lodging will be arranged in a Hotel located next door to the Institute providing the possibility of continuous interactions throughout formal practice and lecture time. Scientific lectures will be given by outstanding experts in the field. All matters of this training school are an inherent part of the GDC proteomics core facility including wide experience in hosting and educating ESRs (e.g., COST Summer School 2009).

For further information please contact: eckel@uni-duesseldorf.de or stefan.lehr@ddz.uni-duesseldorf.de