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 “Cellular factors regulating the export and packaging of unspliced ​​retroviral RNA”, 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.<h5>Could you describe your project and its main objectives?</h5>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.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.<h5>Why is this export of unspliced ​​RNA so important for retroviral replication?</h5>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.Simply put: 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.<h5>What do you think it was about your project that impressed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ jury the most?</h5>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 NIH and Rockefeller University, 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.<h5>How will this research contribute to the development of new treatments for retroviral infections?</h5>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.<h5>What responsibilities does your UCT Prague team have? How does the collaboration with your American partners work?</h5>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 NIH, Frederick, 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 Rockefeller University to employ iCLIP 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.<h5>Who else is collaborating on the project?</h5>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 Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague) and the Central European Institute of Technology in Brno (CEITEC). 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.<h5>Are there plans to continue the project? Have you brought on new collaborators, and are you looking to welcome new colleagues to the team?</h5>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.<h5>What was the personal turning point that motivated you to pursue a long-term investigation into retroviral particles?</h5>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.

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

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 20, 2026

🎤Lindsay Repka&nbsp;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.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.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.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.If you work in:<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>…this conversation will resonate.<h4>Key Topics Covered</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>Video Transcription</h3>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.<h4>What is photoredox chemistry?</h4>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.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.<h4>Photocrosslinking and drug-target interactions</h4>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.Traditional photocrosslinking often uses UV light, but visible light offers milder and more biologically compatible conditions.<h4>From photocrosslinking to solvent activation</h4>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.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.<h4>Why LC-MS was critical</h4>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.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.<h4>Photocatalyst stability workflow</h4>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.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.<h4>Quantifying catalyst remaining by LC-MS</h4>Calibration curves were prepared using pure photocatalyst solutions and LC-MS ion areas. The team worked in the nanomolar range to maintain linearity.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.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.<h4>Why GC-MS was used later</h4>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.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.<h4>Practical lessons from the project</h4>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.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.<h4>Final perspective</h4>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.<blockquote>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.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>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!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

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

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Scientists

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Science and research

The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

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Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

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Is your lab ready to begin its digital transformation?
Using IoT sensor technologies, AI modeling, and advanced analytics, your digital lab can safely capture data, create business intelligence,and implement actioned programs. Connect your lab digitally by watching this episode of The Lab Central.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kamesh Janakiraman (Product Specialist - Lab Informatics, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: The Digital Lab Connection

The Digital Lab Connection

Using IoT sensor technologies, AI modeling, and advanced analytics, your digital lab can safely capture data.

*Restek has added a new tool to its suite of virtual chromatography software. Learn how the Pro EZLC Chromatogram Modeler can make column selection and optimization for LC-MS/MS methods for therapeutic and abuse drugs, nitrosamines, and PFAS compounds easier and faster.* 
Method developers and analysts will appreciate access to a virtual selection of columns to aid in choosing and optimizing methods. We will even cover adding novel psychoactive substances to an existing method without the need for an instrument.
By attending this presentation, you will:
<ul>
<li>*Learn about the Pro EZLC Chromatogram Modelling tool and how to access it.*
</li>
<li>Learn how to perform LC-MS/MS method development and optimization easier, faster, and without an instrument.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rock J. Vitale (Technical Director of Chemistry, Senior Principal at Environmental Standards, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Paul brought 24 years of analytical and chromatography expertise to Restek, including 16 years performing LC-MS/MS. He earned his BS in biology and a minor in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, after which he was an environmental GC, GC-MS, and HPLC chemist for nearly a decade. Paul has also worked as a scientist and was principal investigator, group leader, technical leader, and method developer for a contract research organization providing LC-MS/MS support to the food safety, environmental, animal health, and crop protection industries. Paul was also a bioanalytical laboratory director, providing analytical laboratory services for drug development. As our liquid chromatography product manager, Paul&#39;s main focus is to grow and develop Restek&#39;s LC product lines and to provide our customers with high-performing solutions to their LC challenges.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: LC-MS/MS Method Development and Optimization with Restek’s Pro EZLC Chromatogram Modeler

LC-MS/MS Method Development and Optimization with Restek’s Pro EZLC Chromatogram Modeler

LC-MS/MS Method Development with Restek’s Pro EZLC

Data integrity is strengthened through a detailed understanding of your data. This includes mapping your data flow, which necessitates questions such as:
<ul>
<li>How is data created?
</li>
<li>Where is data stored?
</li>
<li>What other data is relevant?
</li>
<li>How and where is data used within your business process?
</li>
<li>Where could risk exist?
</li>
</ul>
Understanding your data workflow allows you to focus in on the most critical data so you can identify potential data integrity risks and vulnerabilities. Facilitating a risk-based approach to process design, data integrity controls, workflow validation, and computerized system validation (CSV) enables you to confidently identify areas to monitor as you strive to ensure quality.
Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore this topic. As always, don’t forget to bring your questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager - Informatics Group, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager in Waters in the Informatics group. Neil provides internal support for Empower CDS software and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters Corporation, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Fiona O&#39;Leary (Empower Informatics Consultant, Waters Corp.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Fiona is an experienced Empower Software and Data Integrity professional working with the EU Professional Services Team. She has ~18 years of experience with Waters, beginning with Technical Support &amp; Empower Training, moving to Empower Consultancy and Workflow Optimization in more recent years. Her focus now is on building Data Integrity into the Lab workflow, Custom Field automation and Electronic Data Review / Reporting optimization.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Prior to joining Waters, Fiona spent some years in the GxP Pharmaceutical Manufacturing world, setting the scene for her currently goal of helping organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives efficiently and within compliance guidelines. She graduated from Dublin City University in 2001 with a BSc Hons. Analytical Science.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Tracy Hibbs (Principal Consulting Product and Marketing Manager, Waters Corp.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Tracy has worked for Waters Corporation since 1999 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Trainer, Business Impact Consultant, Training Manager for Informatics and Data Integrity, and currently, Principal Consulting Marketing Manager focusing on Informatics solutions. Tracy provides support for Waters Empower Software Suite and is concentrated on developing laboratory data management software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives in regulated environments. Prior to joining Waters, Tracy was a Research Scientist where she gained experience in chromatography and the associated data systems.​
</blockquote>

Waters: Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Data Flow and Data Process Mapping with Data Governance in Mind

Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Data Flow and Data Process Mapping with Data Governance in Mind

Empower: Data Flow, Data Process Mapping and Data Governance

How about a 20 minute coffee break along with a bite of <a href="https://lcms.cz/products/627">Empower</a>? Here you go!
In this session we demonstrate how to create and use Customer Fields to generate workflows in Empower
A Custom Field is a user defined field (or column) of information in a table. Creating Custom Fields gives you the ability to create tailored sample identifiers and calculations beyond what Empower provides by default. During this series, we will explore the various types of Custom Fields that can be created and provide some practical examples.
Learn more and register!
<blockquote>
Presenter: Carsten Fischer (Informatics Product Marketing, EMEA, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>

Waters - Informatics series #12 Adjust Empower very flexible to your specific needs

Adjust Empower very flexible to your specific needs

In this session we demonstrate how to create and use Customer Fields to generate workflows in Empower.

When it comes to chemical quantitative analysis, researchers often find themselves navigating multiple software packages. Mastering these tools to achieve the same level of expertise and reproducibility is a major pain point.
Further disruption to the workflow can occur when one needs to switch tools depending on the analytical technique or data format or even resort to using spreadsheets or in-house tools that require manual processes and are prone to error. 
To overcome these challenges, Wiley’s new KnowItAll Quantitation tool provides a single, easy-to-use tool to perform these tasks consistently in a vendor-neutral environment. 
<h4>In this session we will:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Introduce KnowItAll’s simple and intuitive quantitation process, its unique features, and how it can streamline and enhance your analytical workflow.
</li>
<li>Demonstrate through live examples the various methods supported by KnowItAll: external calibration, internal calibration, and standard addition analysis, and how to successfully quantify spectra of unknown concentration.
</li>
</ul>
<h4>This session is recommended for:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Scientists and analytical chemists who use AT-IR, IR, GC-MS, Raman, and UV-Vis techniques for spectral quantitative analyses.
</li>
<li>Professors and students engaged in analytical chemistry and quantitative analysis courses or lab work.
</li>
</ul>
<h4>About KnowItAll Solutions:</h4>
KnowItAll offers solutions to analyze and manage multiple types of spectral and chemical data in multiple file and instrument formats. KnowItAll&#39;s integrated toolsets eliminate the need for multiple software packages and increase overall lab efficiency. Combined with the comprehensive spectral reference database, KnowItAll provides chemists the most advanced technology available for spectral analysis.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Leanna Ergin (Assistant Editor, Wiley Science Solutions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
 Q&amp;A with:
Nadia Laschuk (Product Manager - Software and Databases - New Techniques)
Michelle D’Souza (Product Manager, Software Products)
</blockquote>

Wiley: Introducing KnowItAll Quantitation: Complete & Simplify Your Analytical Workflow

Introducing KnowItAll Quantitation: Complete & Simplify Your Analytical Workflow

We will Introduce KnowItAll’s simple and intuitive quantitation process and demonstrate through live examples the various methods supported by KnowItAll.

Introducing KnowItAll Quantitation

Learn incredible tricks and tips for maximizing your experience with <a href="https://gcms.cz/products/305">Clarity Chromatography Software</a>. Dive into advanced functionalities and discover how to elevate your workflows.
We will closely look at Sequences and Calibrations.

Clarity Tips & Tricks Webinar

Learn incredible tricks and tips for maximizing your experience with Clarity Chromatography Software

DataApex Clarity software Tips & Tricks Webinar

How about a 20 minute coffee break along with a bite of Empower? Here you go!
Avoid manual weight transcriptions to your Empower Sample Set
Many roads lead to Rome - In this session we show different options to transfer sample weight to Empower.
Two completely different options will be highlighted: The Sample Weight Importer toolkit app versus a test execution template in Empower LMS.
The sample (and standard) weights play an important role in the quantitative chromatographic analysis. In this session you will get examples of how to eliminate the manual transcription of sample weights by using a direct read from your balance.
Learn more and register!
<blockquote>
Presenter:: Ralf Schröder (Informatics Product Marketing Europe, Waters GmbH)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Carsten Fischer (Informatics Product Marketing, EMEA, Waters GmbH)
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Informatics series #13 Sample Weights in Empower

Informatics series #13 Sample Weights in Empower

In this session we show different options to transfer sample weight to Empower.

Sample Weights in Empower

Agilent and METTLER TOLEDO have jointly developed an integrated workflow solution that addresses the most pressing root causes for laboratory failure investigations and rework, while supporting the current processes in the laboratory.
The integrated solution between Mettler Toledo LabX Balance Software &amp; Agilent OpenLab CDS, addresses the challenges like:
<ul>
<li>Manual data entries of weight</li>
<li>Potential errors due to manual calculations</li>
</ul>
It also enhances productivity in overall Chromatography workflow.
Register here for our webinar and learn more on how our solution can increase the weighing accuracy, automatically transfer the weighing data to the CDS, and eliminate manual transcription errors
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kevin Kölliker (Lab Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kevin Kölliker is a Lab Informatics Application Engineer for Agilent Technologies. He studied Chemistry and Business informatics, and he worked as a Lab Technician, and as a Field Service Engineer before joining Agilent. Combined he has more than 10 Years of Experience in the analytical laboratory and therefore met already multiple different workflows. He works together with the Lab Informatics Product Specialists to demonstrate the Power of OpenLab, and to customize it to meet the needs of our Customers.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Andrea Brütsch (Global Product Manager, Mettler Toledo)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Andrea Brütsch is a Global Product Manager at METTLER TOLEDO. He holds a master&#39;s degree in Chemistry and Business Studies from the University of Zurich. After various experiences at METTLER TOLEDO, Andrea wrote a study on the trends in Laboratory Automation. Currently, he is responsible for the area of lab automation in the Laboratory Weighing business.
</blockquote>

Agilent: Error-Free Sample Preparation Workflows

Error-Free Sample Preparation Workflows

Agilent and METTLER TOLEDO have jointly developed an integrated workflow that addresses the most pressing root causes for laboratory failure investigations.

The development momentum for RNA modalities has accelerated with the recent approvals of mRNA-based vaccines and RNA(CRISPR)-based gene therapies. These approvals have highlighted the need for the development of robust analytical methods for monitoring the relevant critical quality attributes (CQAs) of RNA molecules to ensure proper control of manufacturing processes and product quality. Oligonucleotide mapping via liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has now been established as an effective tool for RNA CQA assessment, however, the limited tool sets for efficient acquisition and processing of the LC-MS data from an RNA digest have presented a time-consuming challenge to the innovators bringing these early molecules to market.
In this webinar, we present a workflow for RNA CQA analysis developed on the waters_connect informatics platform. Data acquired on this compliant-ready platform was analyzed using the INTACT Mass application as the engine for data processing and producing RNA fragment assignments, assisted by two external microApps: mRNA Cleaver (to generate in silico fragments for targeted search), and Coverage Viewer (to visualize digestion data coverage). We will demonstrate these tools with application to CQA analysis of both sgRNA (ID and Structural Fidelity) and mRNA (ID, Structural Fidelity, 5’Capping, 3’ PolyA Tail A) molecules. 
What you will learn from this presentation:
<ul>
<li>A workflow for acquisition and data analysis from RNA digestion fragment mapping studies.</li>
<li>Application of this workflow to sgRNA and mRNA CQAs.</li>
<li>Discussion of the challenges and opportunities deploying these methods for routine analysis, including the use of the BioAccord LC-MS System and waters_connect informatics to make MS based RNA analysis accessible to non-MS experts.</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Scientists, Technicians and Managers, who are charged with analyzing therapeutic RNA samples.</li>
<li>Others from pharmaceutical and contract organizations looking towards developing and commercializing these molecules, who want to better understand the analytical challenges of producing high quality products and processes.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ying Qing Yu (Biopharmaceutical Program Science Team Leader, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ying Qing is the Biopharmaceutical Program Science Team Leader at Waters Corporation. She joined Waters Corporation in 2001, shortly after she received her Ph.D. from the Analytical Chemistry Department at Purdue University. Her area of expertise is on analytical method development for various Biotherapeutics using UPLC/QTOF MS platform, including sample preparations, LC-MS optimization, and development of application specific software tools. Recently, her team has been taking on the challenges of developing LC-MS solutions for nucleic acid characterization.
</blockquote>

Waters: LC-MS for RNA Therapeutics to Ensure Product Quality and Process Consistency

LC-MS for RNA Therapeutics to Ensure Product Quality and Process Consistency

Workflow for RNA CQA analysis developed on the Waters_connect informatics platform.

LC-MS for RNA Therapeutics Product Quality

In this session we demonstrate how to create and use Customer Fields to generate workflows in Empower

Waters Corporation: Waters Empower Custom Fields

Empower Custom Fields