Aebersold Lab, Proteomics, Method development in chemical cross-linking

Most proteins execute their function not in isolation, but in the form of protein complexes. Chemical cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry is a strategy to learn more about the spatial organization of protein domains or subunits in such protein complexes, and has recently become a powerful tool in structural biology. Our group is one of the world-wide leaders in this field and has contributed to the structural analysis of many important complexes such as proteasomes, ribosomes, chromatin remodeling complexes and others.

We are continuously optimizing our experimental and computational workflows to extract the maximum amount of information from our sample and are looking for students to support us in this endeavor.

You will learn how to perform cross-linking experiments, process your samples for MS analysis, analyze the samples by LC-MS and perform the data analysis. These projects are the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience with proteomics methods and mass spectrometry instrumentation. You will contribute to important projects that will have immediate impact on cutting-edge research in the group. Prior experience with mass spectrometry is not essential, although candidates with basic knowledge of proteomics methods are preferred.

For further information, contact Dr. Alexander Leitner ()

Thematic background:

Walzthoeni T., Leitner A., Stengel F., Aebersold R., Mass spectrometry supported determination of protein complex structure, Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 23 (2013) 252-260.

Link: external pagehttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959440X13000377call_made

Recent applications:

Leitner A., Joachimiak L. J., Unverdorben, P., Walzthoeni T., Frydman J., Förster F., Aebersold R., Chemical cross-linking/mass spectrometry targeting acidic residues in proteins and protein complexes, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 111 (2014) 9455-9460.

Link: http://www.pnas.org/content/111/26/9455.short

Greber B. J., Bieri P., Leibundgut M., Leitner A., Aebersold R., Boehringer D., Ban N., The complete structure of the 55S mammalian mitochondrial ribosome, Science, 348 (2015) 303-308.

Link: external pagehttp://www.sciencemag.org/content/348/6232/303.shortcall_made