<p><strong>Professor Michaela Rumlová, head of a research group of the National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology at UCT Prague (and Vice-Rector for doctoral studies), holder of a licensed patent &nbsp;for antiretroviral testing assays, and recipient of the Czech Science Foundation’s President’s Award for HIV research, has also become the principal investigator of the bilateral INTER-EXCELLENCE II project “</strong><i><strong>Cellular factors regulating the export and packaging of unspliced ​​retroviral RNA</strong></i><strong>”, starting this year. In this interview, she explains how retroviruses such as HIV “hack” the cell in order to export their own genome from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, and then to the site where it is specifically packaged into nascent viral particles, a key step in viral replication. Her team is collaborating with the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and Rockefeller University to elucidate mechanisms that may help reveal new vulnerable points in the retrovirus replication cycle while simultaneously clarifying related cellular processes.</strong></p><h5><strong>Could you describe your project and its main objectives?</strong></h5><p>Retroviruses, such as HIV, are viruses that carry genetic information in the form of RNA; however, after entering a cell, they are able to reverse transcribe it into DNA and integrate it into the host genome. In order to replicate, they must transport their genetic information—in the form of unspliced RNA—from the nucleus into the cytosol. There, it serves both as a template for the production of viral proteins and as the genome of new viral particles. This is highly unusual, as the cell very carefully controls which RNA molecules are allowed to leave the nucleus. Normal protein-coding cellular RNAs, known as messenger RNAs (mRNAs), must undergo splicing—a processing step in which certain segments are removed—before being exported. When this process fails, mRNA that retains these segments is held back in the nucleus as part of quality control and subsequently degraded. Retroviruses have managed to outwit this cellular control machinery, allowing their unspliced RNA to pass into the cytoplasm.</p><p>Our project focuses on identifying the cellular proteins that assist retroviruses in this step and on the mechanism by which protein complexes bound to viral RNA are remodelled during RNA transport. The goal is to understand how the virus uses cellular mechanisms to its advantage and how this pathway is linked to the subsequent fate of the RNA, i.e. to its translation and packaging into new viral particles.</p><h5><strong>Why is this export of unspliced ​​RNA so important for retroviral replication?</strong></h5><p>Because this RNA has a dual role for the virus. On the one hand, it serves as a template for synthesizing viral proteins in the cytoplasm; on the other, it represents the genetic material itself, which must be packaged into new viral particles. The virus must package its RNA genome in its unspliced form, as only this RNA contains essential sequences without which further viral replication would be impossible.</p><p><strong>Simply put: </strong>the virus needs to get a complete copy of its genetic instructions out of the nucleus. Once the viral RNA is in the cytoplasm, it can be used as a template for synthesizing viral proteins; and a portion of these RNA molecules is then selected and packaged into a new particle as a genome. We are interested in how the virus forces the cell to allow viral RNA that is, from the cell’s perspective, “unfinished,” that is unspliced, to leave the nucleus. We are also investigating how the cell and the virus together - albeit unintentionally from the cell’s perspective - determine which RNA molecule will be translated into proteins and which will be packaged as the genome. This is one of the key, yet still not fully understood, steps of retroviral replication.</p><h5><strong>What do you think it was about your project that impressed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ jury the most?</strong></h5><p>I believe the decisive factor was a combination of several elements. First, the reviewers were primarily interested in the scientific problem itself. We are investigating a mechanism that is essential for retroviruses, but still not sufficiently understood, which may also have broader implications for the regulation of cellular processes. In addition, the quality of the team, our strong collaboration with the<strong> NIH </strong>and <strong>Rockefeller University</strong>, and the use of modern methods that will allow us to track viral RNA in great detail also played a role. It was also important that the project has clear objectives and a realistic plan.</p><h5><strong>How will this research contribute to the development of new treatments for retroviral infections?</strong></h5><p>It is important to say that this is primarily basic research. Rather than developing a new drug directly, we are trying to understand, at the molecular level, the step that the virus cannot do without. Only when we fully understand the mechanism of these cellular processes and identify the essential factors for the export of unspliced ​​RNA and how they function, will we be able to better determine which interactions or mechanisms represent potentially vulnerable points. Similar mechanisms associated with the export of unspliced ​​mRNA also appear in some diseases, such as cancer, so I &nbsp;see the benefit of our research mainly in that it will refine our understanding of these pathological processes in the cell, and retroviruses help us do so. Therefore, our work on retroviruses not only shows us how the virus works, but also how the cell itself works.</p><h5><strong>What responsibilities does your UCT Prague team have? How does the collaboration with your American partners work?</strong></h5><p>At UCT Prague, we are conducting the project’s primary experimental work. Our research involves cell cultures, viral models, and various biochemical techniques ranging from immunochemistry to microscopy that allow us to track viral RNA and identify its cellular partners. In collaboration with colleagues from <strong>NIH, Frederick</strong>, we are developing single-particle tracking methods to observe viral RNA movement in living cells across both space and time. Furthermore, we are working with colleagues from <strong>Rockefeller University to employ iCLIP </strong>methods for the precise mapping of protein-binding sites on RNA. Both collaborations are valuable to us, because they are not just about data sharing, but also about the transfer of expertise and detailed know-how.</p><h5><strong>Who else is collaborating on the project?</strong></h5><p>At UCT Prague, we collaborate closely with the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Externally, we work with colleagues from the Institute of<strong> Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague)</strong> and the <strong>Central European Institute of Technology in Brno (CEITEC)</strong>. Our research naturally necessitates the integration of diverse fields of expertise; it requires combining virology, cell biology, and biochemistry with advanced imaging and modern approaches to study RNA-protein interactions. This is exactly what makes our project capable of addressing complex questions that a single laboratory cannot tackle on its own.</p><h5><strong>Are there plans to continue the project? Have you brought on new collaborators, and are you looking to welcome new colleagues to the team?</strong></h5><p>Yes, definitely. In basic research, it often happens that one answered question opens up several more. High-quality, properly interpreted data provide a foundation you can build on — and that is what moves scientists forward. It is already clear that the topic of retroviral RNA export and packaging has broader implications and may reveal more general principles of how RNA functions within the cell. We also hope the project will be attractive to students, as it connects classical molecular biology, biochemistry, and virology with cutting-edge biotechnological methods. Students are already involved in the project as part of their bachelor’s and master’s theses.</p><h5><strong>What was the personal turning point that motivated you to pursue a long-term investigation into retroviral particles?</strong></h5><p>I first encountered retroviruses in the early 1990s during my diploma thesis, when I was working at IOCB Prague on HIV-1 protease inhibitors. At that time, AIDS could not yet be effectively treated, and retrovirus research had a completely different dimension. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by how such a relatively small and simple virus can outsmart evolutionarily highly optimized cellular processes and turn them to its own advantage. And that has never stopped fascinating me. From a scientific point of view, retroviruses are remarkable; just consider one of their enzymes, reverse transcriptase, without which no diagnostic or research laboratory in the world could function today. Without it, it would be impossible to diagnose RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, or HIV using RT-PCR tests, or, for example to produce recombinant human proteins in bacterial cells.</p>

Tracking unspliced RNA: Professor Rumlová studies how retroviruses “hack” cells

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 20, 2026

<p><strong>🎤Lindsay Repka&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Lindsay Repka is a chemistry professor at Middlebury College whose research explores photoredox chemistry, catalyst stability, and visible-light-driven transformations. Her lab emphasizes both mechanistic insight and hands-on student training in advanced analytical instrumentation.</strong></p><p>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Lindsay Repka to discuss how LC-MS and GC-MS transformed her lab’s approach to photoredox chemistry.</p><p>What began as a project to develop a visible-light photocrosslinking handle unexpectedly led to a major discovery: the solvent (DMF) was reacting with the photocatalyst itself. Using high-resolution LC-MS, Lindsay’s team observed multiple solvent adducts forming — sometimes with complete catalyst consumption. That discovery reshaped their research direction.</p><p>This episode is a rare deep dive into both LC-MS and GC-MS within the same research project, showing how chromatography-driven insight can turn unexpected degradation into productive new reactivity.</p><p><strong>If you work in:</strong></p><ul><li>Photoredox chemistry</li><li>Reaction optimization</li><li>Mass spectrometry method development</li><li>Catalyst screening</li><li>Academic synthetic chemistry</li></ul><p>…this conversation will resonate.</p><h4><strong>Key Topics Covered</strong></h4><ul><li>Photocatalyst stability in DMF, DCE, and MeCN</li><li>Demethylation under mild visible-light conditions</li><li>High-resolution Q-TOF LC-MS quantitation</li><li>Internal standard methodology in GC-MS</li><li>Signal-to-noise improvement using extracted ion chromatograms</li><li>Reaction reproducibility and quality control strategy</li></ul><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><p>In this interview, Lindsay Repka discusses the role of photoredox chemistry in method development, photocrosslinking, solvent activation, catalyst stability, and the use of LC-MS and GC-MS to understand reaction pathways.</p><h4><strong>What is photoredox chemistry?</strong></h4><p>Photoredox chemistry uses light to activate a photocatalyst, which can either donate or accept an electron from a substrate. This generates radical species that can undergo new types of reactivity.</p><p>Repka explains that one of the key advantages of photoredox chemistry is its ability to operate under mild conditions, often using visible light. This makes it attractive for sensitive molecules and biological systems, including potential applications in drug release, live-cell chemistry, and drug development.</p><h4><strong>Photocrosslinking and drug-target interactions</strong></h4><p>Repka’s group initially aimed to develop visible-light photocrosslinking methods to study drug interactions with biological targets. Photocrosslinking can covalently link a drug to its target, making it easier to identify the biological target of a compound.</p><p>Traditional photocrosslinking often uses UV light, but visible light offers milder and more biologically compatible conditions.</p><h4><strong>From photocrosslinking to solvent activation</strong></h4><p>The project shifted direction when the desired photocrosslinking reactions gave very low yields. Instead of reacting with amino acids as intended, the radical intermediate mainly reacted with itself.</p><p>The team explored different solvents to stabilize the radical, but found that some solvents, such as DMF, were not inert. Instead, the solvent reacted with the photocatalyst or radical species, revealing unexpected solvent activation chemistry.</p><h4><strong>Why LC-MS was critical</strong></h4><p>LC-MS became essential because the reaction mixtures were too complex and low-yielding for NMR or GC-MS. High-resolution LC-MS allowed the team to detect minor products, identify photocatalyst modifications, and observe solvent addition products with high confidence.</p><p>Repka emphasizes that LC-MS was both a qualitative and quantitative tool. It was used quantitatively to measure how much photocatalyst remained after light exposure, and qualitatively to identify degradation products and new reactivity pathways.</p><h4><strong>Photocatalyst stability workflow</strong></h4><p>The team developed a systematic workflow to evaluate photocatalyst stability under light exposure. Because catalyst degradation was time-sensitive, reproducibility required strict control of experimental conditions.</p><p>Key steps included using a glove box, commercial deoxygenated solvents, accurate weighing on a microbalance, controlled light exposure in a photoreactor, and temperature control with a chiller. These precautions helped reduce day-to-day variability and enabled reproducible measurements of catalyst remaining.</p><h4><strong>Quantifying catalyst remaining by LC-MS</strong></h4><p>Calibration curves were prepared using pure photocatalyst solutions and LC-MS ion areas. The team worked in the nanomolar range to maintain linearity.</p><p>Instead of relying only on total ion chromatograms, they used extracted ion chromatograms (EICs) to improve signal-to-noise for the photocatalyst signal. Baseline subtraction was also applied to reduce noise and improve quantitation at low concentrations.</p><p>Calibration curves and quality control samples were prepared and measured on the same day as the reaction samples, because LC-MS signal intensity can vary significantly from day to day.</p><h4><strong>Why GC-MS was used later</strong></h4><p>For demethylation studies, the group moved to GC-MS because the substrates and products were small and volatile enough for gas chromatography. GC-MS was better suited for rapidly screening many reaction conditions, including different photocatalysts, solvents, and oxidants.</p><p>Instead of generating full calibration curves for every experiment, the team used an internal standard to streamline analysis and determine percent conversion based on relative response factors.</p><h4><strong>Practical lessons from the project</strong></h4><p>Repka highlights the importance of careful sample preparation, especially when working with very small quantities of photocatalysts. A high-quality microbalance, stable granite platform, antistatic tools, and aluminum weigh boats improved weighing accuracy and reproducibility.</p><p>She also argues that mass spectrometry should be a standard part of photoredox method development because it can reveal minor products, support reaction optimization, and provide insights that may be difficult or impossible to obtain by NMR alone.</p><h4><strong>Final perspective</strong></h4><p>Beyond the chemistry, Repka emphasizes the importance of student training and mentoring. For her, research is not only about discovering new reactivity but also about giving students practical experience, helping them develop independence, and preparing them for future scientific careers.</p><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Using LC-MS & GC-MS to Decode Photoredox Catalyst Stability

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<h4><strong>Virtual event: Pharma conclave series 2024</strong></h4><p>SCIEX offers the platform for the experts to take the stage and drive technological progress</p><p><strong>Welcome to Pharma conclave series 2024</strong> – where our customers’ expertise meets innovation, transforming your knowledge and empowering you to revolutionize your work processes. Join us in discovering techniques that will enhance your skills to accelerate your daily operations in the development of new drugs.</p><p>From the research of new markers to the drug development moving into non and GLP bioanalysis. Confidently plan your next lab expansion with the knowledge gained from industry leaders and pioneers.</p><ul><li>May 16 <strong>Event 1: Pharma omics</strong></li><li>September 17 <strong>Event 2: Impurities</strong></li><li>October 23-24 <strong>Event 3: Pharma</strong></li></ul><p><strong>10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CET</strong></p><h3><strong>Event 3: Pharma</strong></h3><p><strong>The pharma connection</strong></p><p>From discovery to QA/QC. All the process to bring a new treatment to the patients is following a path to connect the different stages until the magic happens.</p><p>Join to see how the scientists are generating the needed tricks to connect the initial though with the final formulation.</p><h3><strong>Day 1</strong></h3><h5><strong>10:00 - 10:30 - Metabolomics screening kits for use in clinical trials</strong></h5><ul><li>Heike Wiese, Nuvisan</li></ul><h5><strong>10:30 – 11:00&nbsp;- Sphingolipid biomarkers in neurodegenerative drug development</strong></h5><ul><li>Jose Carlos Gonzalez, AMSbiopharma</li></ul><h5><strong>11:00 – 11:30 - Parallel setup of a series of micro LC methods, coupled with the low-resolution mass spec (API7500) for &nbsp;TG2 inhibitors</strong></h5><ul><li>Davide Massari and Chiara Olmi, ERBC Group</li></ul><h5><strong>11:30 – 12:00&nbsp;- PFAS analysis and mass spectrometry: Beyond environmental, food and packaging. What about cosmetic and pharmaceutical products?</strong></h5><ul><li>Emiliano De Dominicis, Merieux</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Bruno Manadas, PhD</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Dr Manadas is a prominent Cell Biology researcher at CNC-UC since 2017. With expertise in biochemistry, psychology, and biotechnology, he's authored 130+ publications and led multiple projects. As head of CNC's Mass Spectrometry node and Associate Editor for Frontiers, he's contributed significantly to neuroscience and psychiatry. Bruno's research focuses on cell biology mechanisms, translational biomarker research, and MS-based approaches for studying protein oxidation. He played a pivotal role in establishing the hospital biobank and teaches at the Portuguese Catholic University.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dorte Bekker-Jensen</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Dorte is heading the Applications Development team in Proteomics Research at Evosep. She has long-term experience within proteomics and has focused on technology development by developing simple and automated workflows for high-throughput applications.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Stefan Ledinger</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Stefan has 20 years of experience in the life sciences and diagnostic industries. For the last dozen years, he has been serving various functions within biocrates life sciences ag. Most recently, he has been responsible for the market development for metabolomics solutions in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He currently serves as Global Head of Sales. Stefan holds degrees in business administration and bioengineering, combining commercial know-how with a passion for science.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Markus Langsdorf</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Markus has 14 years of experience in life sciences industries. As he joined biocrates in 2010, he worked for 11 years as application support specialist for biocrates’ metabolomics profiling solutions. 3 years ago he changed his position withing the company to his new function as product manager. Markus studied chemistry and graduated with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry.</p></blockquote>

Pharma conclave series 2024: Pharma (Day1)

From discovery to QA/QC. The process to bring a new treatment to the patients.

<h4><strong>Virtual event: Pharma conclave series 2024</strong></h4><p>SCIEX offers the platform for the experts to take the stage and drive technological progress</p><p><strong>Welcome to Pharma conclave series 2024</strong> – where our customers’ expertise meets innovation, transforming your knowledge and empowering you to revolutionize your work processes. Join us in discovering techniques that will enhance your skills to accelerate your daily operations in the development of new drugs.</p><p>From the research of new markers to the drug development moving into non and GLP bioanalysis. Confidently plan your next lab expansion with the knowledge gained from industry leaders and pioneers.</p><ul><li>May 16 <strong>Event 1: Pharma omics</strong></li><li>September 17 <strong>Event 2: Impurities</strong></li><li>October 23-24 <strong>Event 3: Pharma</strong></li></ul><p><strong>10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CET</strong></p><h3><strong>Event 3: Pharma</strong></h3><p><strong>The pharma connection</strong></p><p>From discovery to QA/QC. All the process to bring a new treatment to the patients is following a path to connect the different stages until the magic happens.</p><p>Join to see how the scientists are generating the needed tricks to connect the initial though with the final formulation.</p><h3><strong>Day 2</strong></h3><h5><strong>10:00 - 10:30&nbsp;- Metabolomics: From target engagement to metabolic phenotyping. Applications in drug discovery</strong></h5><ul><li>Filippos Michopoulos, Astrazeneca</li></ul><h5><strong>10:30 - 11:00&nbsp;- Development of an LC-MS Method to Quantify Endogenous Urea in Mouse Plasma and BAL.</strong></h5><ul><li>Benjamin Smith, Cyprotex</li></ul><h5><strong>11:00 - 11:30&nbsp;- Optimization of extraction &amp; LC-MS conditions for the bioanalysis of antibody drug conjugates with diverse chemistries</strong></h5><ul><li>John Perkins, KCAS</li></ul><h5><strong>11:30 - 12:00&nbsp;- Preparation of rodent whole blood and plasma microsamples for LC-MS/MS bioanalysis in toxicology studies</strong></h5><ul><li>Birgitte Støvring, Scantox</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Bruno Manadas, PhD</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Dr Manadas is a prominent Cell Biology researcher at CNC-UC since 2017. With expertise in biochemistry, psychology, and biotechnology, he's authored 130+ publications and led multiple projects. As head of CNC's Mass Spectrometry node and Associate Editor for Frontiers, he's contributed significantly to neuroscience and psychiatry. Bruno's research focuses on cell biology mechanisms, translational biomarker research, and MS-based approaches for studying protein oxidation. He played a pivotal role in establishing the hospital biobank and teaches at the Portuguese Catholic University.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dorte Bekker-Jensen</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Dorte is heading the Applications Development team in Proteomics Research at Evosep. She has long-term experience within proteomics and has focused on technology development by developing simple and automated workflows for high-throughput applications.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Stefan Ledinger</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Stefan has 20 years of experience in the life sciences and diagnostic industries. For the last dozen years, he has been serving various functions within biocrates life sciences ag. Most recently, he has been responsible for the market development for metabolomics solutions in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He currently serves as Global Head of Sales. Stefan holds degrees in business administration and bioengineering, combining commercial know-how with a passion for science.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Markus Langsdorf</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Markus has 14 years of experience in life sciences industries. As he joined biocrates in 2010, he worked for 11 years as application support specialist for biocrates’ metabolomics profiling solutions. 3 years ago he changed his position withing the company to his new function as product manager. Markus studied chemistry and graduated with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry.</p></blockquote>

Pharma conclave series 2024: Pharma (Day 2)

<p><strong>Join us for an insightful webinar where we will explore the critical aspects of differentiating good from bad data and how this distinction can significantly influence your results. From screening to quantification, discover the value of targeted data analysis workflows using non-targeted data with our innovative software and hardware.</strong></p><p>Find by Formula algorithm. Learn to identify the most suitable MS/MS approach for your experiments, initiate quantitation for your compounds of interest, and incorporate retention times (RTs) and MS/MS spectra into a custom database and library.</p><p>This session is designed to enhance your understanding and application of Q-TOF data analysis, ensuring robust and reliable outcomes.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Hannah Florance (Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Hannah has had multiple roles in the life sciences, starting as a protein chemist, before moving into proteomics and then metabolomics. A major part of her time working in academia involved running LC and GCMS core facilities supporting projects ranging from synthetic biology to cancer research. She is currently an LCMS applications specialist for Agilent.<br><br><strong>Presenter:</strong> Stefan Schaebler (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Stefan completed his PhD in Biology, specializing in LC-MS-based lipidomics and metabolomics. Following his doctoral studies, he joined Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Application Specialist. In this role, Stefan focuses on small molecule applications using LC-QTOF, with a strong emphasis on software tools and data interpretation.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: MassHunter Masterclass Months

MassHunter Qual – The Solid Pillar in Q-TOF Data Analysis

We will explore the critical aspects of differentiating good from bad data and how this distinction can significantly influence your results.

<div><div><p><strong>Therapeutic synthetic oligonucleotides represent unique analytical challenges in late-stage development. To meet the stringent regulatory requirements, highly specific and sensitive methods such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) must be used. However, neither chromatography nor mass spectrometry data systems have the capabilities, both in function and in data integrity, for the typical QC analyst end user to run a highly complex method such as purity, assay, and impurity profiling for therapeutic oligos such as anti-sense oligonucleotides.</strong></p><p>In this presentation, we present a paradigm shift in software with Oligo Analysis Accelerator for OpenLab CDS. This application streamlines the analytical workflow by using a fit-for-purpose user interface while leveraging existing data integrity and compliance architecture within OpenLab CDS.</p><h4>By attending this webinar, you will:</h4><ul><li><strong>Understand the fundamentals of ion-pair reversed-phase LC/MS for oligonucleotides</strong></li><li><strong>Discover how a single quadrupole detector is used for impurity profiling of anti-sense oligonucleotides</strong></li><li><strong>Learn how fit-for-purpose software for LC/MS analysis in QC lot release can save time and enhance quality</strong></li></ul><h5>Who should attend</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists interested in cutting-edge software for large molecule late-stage development</li><li>Analytical research and development labs interested in developing robust methods for single-stranded oligo therapeutics</li><li>Process scientists who rely on in-process control purity results to optimize synthesis and purification for oligos</li><li>Quality assurance and quality control personnel supporting oligo testing labs</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Brian Rivera (Software Product Manager, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Brian Rivera is a software product manager at Agilent Technologies with 20 years of experience in HPLC analysis of large molecules.</p></blockquote></div></div>

Separation Sciences: Boost Efficiency in Oligonucleotide QC with Software Designed for the Job

Boost Efficiency in Oligonucleotide QC with Software Designed for the Job

In this presentation, we present a paradigm shift in software with Oligo Analysis Accelerator for OpenLab CDS.

Oligonucleotide QC with Software Designed for the Job

<p id="isPasted"><strong>Biotherapeutics offer targeted therapies for treating a wide range of diseases with greater specificity and efficacy. However, unlike traditional small-molecule drugs, biotherapeutics are typically larger and more complex, requiring advanced techniques for their production, purification, and characterization.</strong></p><p>Therapeutic proteins, first introduced many years ago, have continually advanced in complexity. Since the introduction of monoclonal antibodies, we now have antibody drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, fragments and fusion proteins, all of which are in various stages of development.&nbsp;</p><p>To keep pace with biotherapeutics advances, analytical techniques must also advance.&nbsp;</p><h5><strong>In this webinar, we will present chromatography findings on:</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>New workflows for intact and peptide mapping characterization of proteins</strong></li><li><strong>Advanced column chemistries for charge variant analysis with pH and salt gradients&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>Rapid desalting SEC column for high throughput analysis, ADC analysis with HIC and reversed phase chemistries</strong></li><li><strong>New digestion workflows coupled to a new peptide mapping column for sequence verification and post translation modification analysis</strong></li></ul><p>This live webinar will be an excellent opportunity to boost your R&amp;D capabilities and strengthen your QC analytical methods for the characterization of biotherapeutics and gene therapies. Dr. Ken Cook will be presenting and answering your questions live.</p><p>With over 20 years of innovation, Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leader in biomolecule separation and characterization, supported by a wealth of published research.</p><p id="isPasted"><strong fr-original-style="">Who should attend?&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><strong fr-original-style="">Pharmaceutical and Biotech Researchers</strong>: Researchers involved in the development and characterization of biotherapeutics and gene therapies, including those working with therapeutic proteins.</li><li><strong fr-original-style="">Quality Control (QC) Analysts</strong>: Analysts responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of biotherapeutic products, who will benefit from advanced methods in characterization and validation.</li><li>&nbsp;<strong fr-original-style="">R&amp;D Managers</strong>: Managers who oversee research and development teams working with biotherapeutics, looking to enhance their workflows and methodologies.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Ken Cook (Application Scientists Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Dr. Ken Cook began his career in academia as a Biochemistry lecturer focused on protein chemistry and metabolism. With over 30 years of industry experience at Dionex, and later Thermo Fisher Scientific, his vast knowledge supporting and developing solutions within chromatography has established him as a bio-separations expert.</p><p>Currently, Dr. Cook focuses on supporting and developing solutions for bio-pharmaceutical applications, particularly in the characterization of protein and oligonucleotide-based biotherapeutics. His work involves ongoing collaborations with both the biopharmaceutical industry and academic institutions.</p><p>His expertise includes peptide mapping using LC/HRMS, charged variant analysis with novel MS coupling, glycan analysis, aggregate analysis, and on-line process monitoring. He also has a growing interest and notable success in gene therapy characterization.</p><p>Given his immense experience, it is an honour to have Dr Cook share his knowledge.</p></blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Innovations in Protein Characterization

Innovations in Protein Characterization

Boost your R&D capabilities and strengthen your QC analytical methods for the characterization of biotherapeutics and gene therapies.

<div><div><div><p><strong>Alithea Biotechnology was founded in 2019 by Fanny Giannou and Tim Fugmann to support Biopharma globally on the development of innovative therapies targeting HLA-presented peptides. Alithea has a significant track record in the absolute quantification of HLA peptides, off-target toxicity predictions and target discovery.</strong></p><p>In addition, HLA-Compass is Alithea's cloud-accessible HLA peptide database featuring the measurement of a total of 1.4 Million HLA peptides in 4160 healthy tissue, tumor tissue and cancer cell line samples for target validation and off-target toxicity prediction.</p><h5><strong>Why to join this webinar:</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>The timsTOF Ultra can lead to high quality immunopeptidomes from limited sample</strong></li><li><strong>Extensive HLA databases can significantly speed up the T-Cell-Receptor therapy development process</strong></li><li><strong>The time is ripe to bring immunopeptidomics into clinical routine</strong></li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Tim Fugmann, Ph.D. (Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder, Alithea Biotechnology GmbH, Berlin, Germany)</p><p>Tim Fugmann got his Ph.D. from ETH Zurich, on mass-spectrometric discovery of antibody targets and disease biomarkers. Later, he was leading the target discovery efforts at Philochem, before moving to the Max-Delbrueck-Centrum for Molecular Medicine in Berlin. He was later appointed professor for MS-based proteomics at JLU Giessen. In 2019 he co-founded Alithea Bio UG, which is focusing on immunopeptidomics, a topic which Tim Fugmann studied since 2012.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Bruker: Unlocking the full potential of immunopeptidomics with the timsTOF Ultra

Unlocking the full potential of immunopeptidomics with the timsTOF Ultra

Alithea has a significant track record in the absolute quantification of HLA peptides, off-target toxicity predictions and target discovery.

The potential of immunopeptidomics with the timsTOF Ultra

<p><strong>Hear about the latest advancements in translational proteomics and metabolomics. From the molecular mechanisms of disease pathology to the latest technological developments in diagnostics and treatment.</strong></p><h5><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h5><ul><li>Spatial proteomics to assess health and diseases</li><li>Absolute quantitation of human proteins</li><li>The latest innovations in proteomics and metabolomics instrumentation and data analysis</li><li>Biomarker-guided precision medicine</li></ul><h4><strong>Day 1 – October 30</strong></h4><h5><strong>15:00 – 15:50 GMT: The Human Protein Atlas – Creating a Pan-Disease Resource Based on Next Generation Blood Profiling</strong></h5><ul><li>Mathias Uhlén, PhD (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)</li></ul><h5><strong>15:50 – 15:55 GMT:</strong> Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>15:55 – 16:15GMT: Mitigating Sorter-Induced Cellular Stress with Cartridge, Microfuildics-Based Sorting</strong></h5><ul><li>Crystal Montoya (Miltenyi Biotec)</li></ul><h5><strong>16:15 – 16:20 GMT:</strong> Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>16:20 – 16:40 GMT: Speaker to be announced</strong></h5><h5><strong>16:40 – 16:45 GMT</strong>: Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>16:45 – 17:35 GMT: Spatial Tissue Proteomics to Assess Health and Disease</strong></h5><ul><li>Fabian Coscia, PhD (Max Delbrück Center)</li></ul><h5><strong>17:35 – 17:40 GMT:</strong> Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>17:40 – 18:00 GMT: The Sulpho-Phospho-Vanillin Assay: Accurate Lipid Normalization in Quantitative Lipidomics</strong></h5><ul><li>Karri Basso, PhD (University of Florida)</li></ul><h5><strong>18:00 – 18:05 GMT:</strong> Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>18:05 – 18:55 GMT: Proteomics for Cancer Precision Medicine</strong></h5><ul><li>Janne Lehtiö, PhD (Karolinska Instutet)</li></ul><h5><strong>18:55 – 19:00 GMT: </strong>Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>19:00 – 19:20 GMT: How Breakthroughs in Depth, Scale and Speed are Unlocking New Proteomic Discovery</strong></h5><ul><li>Aaron Gajadhar, PhD (Seer Bio)</li></ul><h5><strong>19:20 – 19:25 GMT: </strong>Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>19:25 – 19:55 GMT:</strong> Phantom Metabolites: Unraveling Metabolic Shadows</h5><ul><li>Gary Siuzdak, PhD (Scripps Research Institute)</li></ul><h5><strong>19:55 GMT:</strong> End of Day 1</h5><div><div><div><h5><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></h5><ul><li>Scientists and researchers seeking to expand their knowledge</li><li>Pharmaceutical and biotech professionals driving drug development</li><li>Clinicians looking to improve patient care</li><li>Academicians exploring new research avenues</li><li>Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows building their careers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Mathias Uhlén, PhD (Professor, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Christoph Borchers, PhD (Professor, McGill University)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Janne Lehtiö, PhD (Professor, Karolinska Institutet)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Crystal Montoya (Senior Marketing Product Manager, Miltenyi Biotec)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Kari Basso, PhD (Director of Mass Spectrometry Research and Education, University of Florida)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Fabian Coscia, PhD (Group Leader, Max Delbrück Center)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Simone Sidoli, PhD (Assistant Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Hagen Magnus Gegner, PhD (Content and Digital Marketing, CTC Analytics)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Matt Willetts, PhD (Proteomics Applications Manager, Bruker Daltonics)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Matteo Tardelli, PhD (Senior Biomarker Scientist, Owlstone Medical)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Aaron Gajadhar, PhD (Director, Strategic Applications, Seer)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Gary Siuzdak, PhD (Professor and Senior Director, Scripps Research Institute)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Technology Networks: Advances in Proteomics & Metabolomics 2024

Advances in Proteomics & Metabolomics 2024 (Day 1)

Hear about the latest advancements in translational proteomics and metabolomics. 

Advances in Proteomics & Metabolomics 2024  (Day 1)

<p><strong>Hear about the latest advancements in translational proteomics and metabolomics. From the molecular mechanisms of disease pathology to the latest technological developments in diagnostics and treatment.</strong></p><h5><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h5><ul><li>Spatial proteomics to assess health and diseases</li><li>Absolute quantitation of human proteins</li><li>The latest innovations in proteomics and metabolomics instrumentation and data analysis</li><li>Biomarker-guided precision medicine</li></ul><h4><strong>Day 2 – October 31</strong></h4><h5><strong>15:00 – 15:50 GMT: A Novel Strategy for the Absolute Quantification of Human Proteins</strong></h5><ul><li>Christoph Borchers, PhD (McGill University)</li></ul><h5><strong>15:50 – 15:55 GMT: </strong>Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>15:55 – 16:15 GMT: From Single Cells to the Metaproteome: Latest Developments in timsTOF Technology for Proteomics</strong></h5><ul><li>Matt Willetts, PhD (Bruker)</li></ul><h5><strong>16:15 – 16:20 GMT: </strong>Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>16:20 – 17:10 GMT: Single-Cell Chromatin Proteomics to Investigate the Biology of Exceptional Longevity</strong></h5><ul><li>Simone Sidoli, PhD (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)</li></ul><h5><strong>17:10 – 17:15 GMT: </strong>Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>17:15 – 17:35 GMT: Optimizing Metabolomics Workflows: From Sample Preparation to Multi-omics Integration</strong></h5><ul><li>Hagen Magnus Gegner, PhD (CTC Analytics)</li></ul><h5><strong>17:35 – 17:40 GMT:</strong> Networking Break</h5><h5><strong>17:40 – 18:10 GMT: Analyzing Metabolic Responses to a Standardized Meal Challenge Using Exhaled Breath</strong></h5><ul><li>Matteo Tardelli, PhD (Owlstone Medical)</li></ul><h5><strong>18:10 GMT: </strong>Event Close</h5><h5><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></h5><ul><li>Scientists and researchers seeking to expand their knowledge</li><li>Pharmaceutical and biotech professionals driving drug development</li><li>Clinicians looking to improve patient care</li><li>Academicians exploring new research avenues</li><li>Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows building their careers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Mathias Uhlén, PhD (Professor, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Christoph Borchers, PhD (Professor, McGill University)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Janne Lehtiö, PhD (Professor, Karolinska Institutet)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Crystal Montoya (Senior Marketing Product Manager, Miltenyi Biotec)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Kari Basso, PhD (Director of Mass Spectrometry Research and Education, University of Florida)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Fabian Coscia, PhD (Group Leader, Max Delbrück Center)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Simone Sidoli, PhD (Assistant Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Hagen Magnus Gegner, PhD (Content and Digital Marketing, CTC Analytics)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong>&nbsp;Matt Willetts, PhD (Proteomics Applications Manager, Bruker Daltonics)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Matteo Tardelli, PhD (Senior Biomarker Scientist, Owlstone Medical)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Aaron Gajadhar, PhD (Director, Strategic Applications, Seer)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Gary Siuzdak, PhD (Professor and Senior Director, Scripps Research Institute)</p></blockquote>

Advances in Proteomics & Metabolomics 2024 (Day 2)

<div><div><div><p><strong>Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a powerful therapeutic modality to eliminate disease-causing proteins that are resistant to conventional drugs. In this webinar, we present a high-throughput scalable proteomics approach that utilizes label-free, single-shot dia-PASEF<sup>®</sup> mass spectrometry to identify novel degrader targets on a large scale with unmatched coverage, accuracy, and speed. A combination of DIA-NN software and advanced statistical tools guarantees rapid, automated analysis of large proteomics datasets with highest precision of quantification, data completeness and sensitivity. A slice-PASEF-based global ubiquitinomics approach will be presented that verifies degrader-induced modifications with an unprecedented depth of 50,000 ubiquitination sites. In addition, a data analysis suite designed for user-friendly evaluation and in-depth meta-analysis will be shown, making proteomics data easily accessible for target identification, SAR optimization, library expansion and strategic drug discovery decisions.</strong></p></div></div></div><div><div><div><p><strong>About NEOsphere Biotechnologies:</strong></p><p>NEOsphere Biotechnologies is a leading partner in TPD (Targeted Protein Degradation) proteomics, collaborating with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to advance drug discovery and develop innovative degrader pipelines. The platform combines cutting-edge mass spectrometry technologies with advanced biostatistical data analysis, enabling high-throughput proteomic screening of entire degrader libraries and mechanistic target validation, including global ubiquitinomics. NEOsphere Biotechnologies offers unmatched sensitivity, precision, and turnaround times, facilitating the large-scale identification of novel degrader targets and the systematic exploration of previously undruggable therapeutic targets.<br><br><strong>You will learn about:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>A high-throughput proteomics approach that utilizes label-free, single-shot dia-PASEF to identify novel degrader targets on a large scale with unmatched coverage, accuracy, and speed</li><li>The verification of degrader-induced modifications using an optimized acquisition strategy based on slice-PASEF-based global ubiquitinomics</li><li>The benefit of combining the capabilities of a timsTOF HT and a timsTOF Ultra 2</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Uli Ohmayer, Ph.D. (Head of Mass Spectrometry and Founder, NEOsphere Biotechnologies GmbH, Munich, Germany)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Bruker: Unlock the therapeutic potential of targeted protein degradation with deep proteomic screening

Unlock the therapeutic potential of targeted protein degradation with deep proteomic screening

High-throughput scalable proteomics approach that utilizes label-free, single-shot dia-PASEF® mass spectrometry

Targeted protein degradation with deep proteomic screening

<div><div><div><p><strong>Pure MHC, a pioneer in immunopeptidomics, has partnered with Bruker, a leader in state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, to demonstrate one of Pure MHC’s immunopeptidomics workflows. In this Live from the Lab webinar, tissue sample processing, data acquisition with a Bruker timsTOF Ultra, and data analysis will be reviewed as tools for the development and validation of HLA peptide targets for immunopeptidomic development.</strong></p><p><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></p><ul><li>Get insights into Pure MHC's sample preparation strategies to maximize the yield of immunopeptides from tissue samples</li><li>Discover how the unparalleled sensitivity and robustness of the Bruker timsTOF Ultra empowers users to maximize the potential of their immunopeptide samples</li><li>Understand data processing workflows for both DDA and DIA data processing</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Curtis McMurtrey, Ph.D. (Director of Immunoproteomics, Pure MHC, LLC, Oklahoma City, OK, USA)</p><p>Dr. McMurtrey earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2010. He currently serves as the Director of Immuno-Proteomics at Pure MHC, LLC.</p><p>Dr. McMurtrey has studied HLA and its role in immunity since 2005. He is a member of American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) and holds the distinction of having won four ASHI Top Scholar Awards, more than any other scientist in the history of ASHI. Dr. McMurtrey is most notable for his work on West Nile virus epitope discovery and validation with HLA-A*02:01 and B*07:02; epitopes he discovered have been successfully tested in a WNV vaccine (collaboration with Drs. Hansen and Diamond at Washington University). His most recent accolades come from discovery of MR1 ligands from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) as well as over 200 novel ligands from Toxoplasma gondii utilizing Deep Ligand Sequencing (DLS).</p><p>Dr. McMurtrey has expertise in BSL-3 containment techniques, protein purification, HLA ligand isolation, HPLC separation, mass spectrometric analysis, ELISPOT, and multicolor flow cytometry as well as provides bioinformatics expertise. To date, he has directed mass spectrometry (both IDA and SWATH) acquisition as well as comparative analysis and interpretation for a wide variety of MHC ligands including those from tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, influenza, WNV, HIV and multiple cancers. Dr. Curtis McMurtrey oversees DLS acquisition and analyses and also manages database library collection.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Jason R. Krawic, Ph.D. (Business Development Manager, Pure MHC, LLC, Oklahoma City, OK, USA)</p><p>Dr. Krawic earned his Master’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences from Central Connecticut State University in 2012 before returning to academia and earning his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2024. He currently serves as the Director of Business Development at Pure MHC, LLC.</p><p>Dr. Krawic began his scientific career teaching Microbiology, Biology, and Chemistry to community college students in Connecticut and Oklahoma. He has studied HLA and non-classical MHC molecules since 2018. He is most recognized for discovering multiple isomeric conformations of MR1 ligands, as well as his work in MHC Class I and Class II ligands and cancer immunotherapies.</p><p>Dr. Krawic’s expertise ranges from classical microbiology and bacteriology to HPLC separation, protein purification, negative ion mode small molecule mass spectrometry, DDA, DIA and MRM acquisition and a variety of bioinformatics tools. In addition to his scientific career, Dr. Krawic has more than a decade of experience in sales and retail management. With this skill set he combines his science and sales backgrounds to serve Pure MHC’s customer base.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Kris Looney, MBA (President, Pure MHC, LLC, Austin, TX, USA)</p><p>As President of Emergent Technologies, the manager of Pure MHC, Kris Looney is responsible for conceiving and executing key business initiatives, developing strategic plans, and managing business processes including accounting, marketing, intellectual property, and business development. Kris has more than two decades of experience as a business generalist with a background in start-ups, management, accounting, marketing, negotiation, and sales.</p><p>Before joining Emergent, Kris served as the COO and Interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Texas, where he balanced multiple stakeholder needs with service responsibilities in a competitive philanthropic environment. Prior to that, he was the CFO of Transformation Enzyme Corporation, where his financial management and business development helped a bootstrapped entrepreneurial start-up become a leader in the nutritional supplement market. Kris has a B.A. in marketing and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Matt Willetts, Ph.D. (Proteomics Applications Manager, Bruker Scientific LLC, Billerica, MA, USA)</p><p>Matt received his Ph.D. in mass spectrometry with Prof. Malcolm Clench at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. He then joined Waters as the Technical Marketing Specialist for LCMS and MALDI products, focusing on application development for proteomics-based workflows. Matt joined Bruker in 2010 and is responsible for proteomics applications and support in North America.</p></blockquote><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div>

Bruker: Pure MHC's immunopeptidomics workflow with the timsTOF Ultra

Pure MHC's immunopeptidomics workflow with the timsTOF Ultra

Tissue sample processing, data acquisition with a Bruker timsTOF Ultra, and data analysis for immunopeptidomic development.

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