DAVIS, Calif., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- University of California, Davis, and the Waters Corporation today dedicated the new Waters Corporation Facility for Advanced and Integrated Mass Spectrometry within Dr. Julie Leary's laboratory for mass spectrometry (MS). Prof. Leary, together with collaborators at UC Davis, UC Berkeley and Stanford University, is currently using this laboratory to study eukaryotic translation, the process by which messenger RNA is translated into proteins within the human 40S ribosome, to better understand how infectious diseases like hepatitis C and polio virus are transferred to humans.
The centerpiece of the new laboratory is the Waters(R) Synapt(TM) High Definition MS(TM) (HDMS(TM)) System, the world's only MS system to integrate high performance ion mobility separation within a high resolution mass spectrometer to enable characterization of samples based on size, shape and charge, as well as mass.
"A key to our current research is to understand the shape of large, complex proteins as they come in contact with each other and with messenger RNA," said Julie Leary, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Biology and Chemistry University of California, Davis. "Are these proteins folded or are they elongated? What is the topography of the complex? For example, our lab is also using the Synapt to measure the eukaryotic initiation factor, an intact 13 protein complex from human tumor cells which we use to study protein translation. We are investigating how the individual protein subunits conform as they come off the intact complex. Biological molecules are dynamic and ever changing, presenting scientists with a challenge when we try to fully characterize or describe them. We hope that by tackling the issue of molecular shape during eukaryotic translation, we can better understand the process and in turn persuade others to develop effective treatment options."
"Waters is dedicated to expanding the capabilities and use of mass spectrometry to support research of molecular structures and functions," said Mark Groudas, Vice President, Americas Field Operations, for the Waters Division, who represented Waters at the laboratory dedication ceremony hosted by University of California, Davis. "We believe that SYNAPT HDMS will attract more biologists and biochemists to use mass spectrometry for their analysis. We are very excited to work with Dr. Leary as she advances our collective understanding of the infectious diseases translation process research."
The Waters Corporation Facility for Advanced and Integrated Mass Spectrometry at UC Davis has been completely equipped with a Waters SYNAPT HDMS and LCT Premier(TM) XE electrospray time-of flight mass spectrometer.
Waters SYNAPT HDMS
Designed for leading researchers working at the boundaries of conventional mass spectrometry capabilities who need to further characterize and define their samples, Waters SYNAPT HDMS system offers unique, enabling functionality. Using Waters patented TriWave technology, the SYNAPT HDMS system combines high-efficiency, ion mobility based, measurements and separations with high-performance quadrupole, time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The SYNAPT HDMS system enables researchers to analyze samples that are differentiated by size, shape and charge, as well as mass, to deliver increased specificity and sample definition beyond that achievable by conventional mass spectrometers.
About University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis, makes a difference in the lives of people every day. Fueled by learning and energized by discovery, the UC Davis tradition of engagement with the local community, the nation and the world guides all that it does. The university's commitment to providing a rigorous, attentive and research-enriched education creates a supportive learning environment for both students and faculty. UC Davis is a pioneer in interdisciplinary problem-solving, and its four colleges, five professional schools, more than 100 academic majors and 86 graduate programs provide a comprehensive learning environment for students, faculty and researchers.
About Waters Corporation
Waters Corporation creates business advantage for laboratory- dependent organizations by delivering practical and sustainable innovation to enable significant advancements in such areas as healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety, and water quality worldwide.
Pioneering a connected portfolio of separations science, laboratory information management, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis, Waters technology breakthroughs and laboratory solutions provide an enduring platform for customer success.
With revenue of $1.28 billion in 2006 and 4,700 employees, Waters is driving scientific discovery and operational excellence for customers worldwide.
Waters, Synapt, Synapt HDMS, HDMS, High Definition MS, High Definition Mass Spectrometry, LCT Premier EX are trademarks of Waters Corporation.
Brian_J_Murphy@waters.com bfdaniels@ucdavis.edu
CONTACT: Brian J. Murphy of Waters Corporation, Public Relations Manager,
+1-508-482-2614, Brian_J_Murphy@waters.com; or Bethany Daniels of UC Davis,
College of Biological Sciences, Marketing Officer, +1-530-752-5824,
bfdaniels@ucdavis.edu
Web site: http://www.waters.com//
